He was better than Maldini the centre back. Maldini the left back is another story.
Stam isn't in the same league as those players. Rio was better than Stam and Rio isn't in the same category as Nesta and co.
Nesta?
It's certainly a worthy debate. Many have forgotten how immense Stam was, a one-man mountain with pace and intelligence in defending. The injuries in 2000-01 began limiting some of his abilities but he was still class for Lazio and Milan.
But what if we add the 20th century?
Stam is easily in the same league as the top CBs and is in the same league as Rio and Nesta. If I had to take a pairing to win the premier league, I would pair Stam with Rio over Nesta.
Beckenbauer is the best CB of all time.
Have heard some claim Bobby Moore. Never saw either play but I do have a knock-off Beckenbauer Cosmos shirt.
Beckenbauer is the most complete, but in terms of pure defending Baresi is the best of all time.
That'd be sweeper or ball-player from the back, not outright defender, where, you'd put someone like Nesta, Figueroa, Kohler or a host of others beside him who fight it out for that accolade.
His anticipation was unreal. If you watch videos of young Baresi it is amazing how is always one step ahead.Baresi was only 5'9
If you mean Nesta, where I come from, we used to watch Serie A in the late 90s and early 2000s, it was an unarguable fact that Nesta was the best defender in the world during his time at Lazio and Milan, how I see it, he is hugely respected and I do see posters in the caf mentioning his name when it comes to topics of best defenders ...
These guys usually don't want to leave Italy, Cannavaro left because Juve were relegated due to Calciopolli, and went to Madrid, but if Juve weren't relegated he wouldn't have left
I’d certainly have Beckenbauer and Baresi ahead of him. Most likely Figueroa as well, although he struggles from the lack of footage. Aside from them, I’d have him in the same tier as Scirea, Passarella etc. (thinking of that, I’m not sure if there are a lot of those et cetera players).But what if we add the 20th century?
Because you mention Rio Ferdinand, I would say that he is there in the same class. Some say little better, some say little worse. Very good defender in my opinion. He had it all. Sadly he was hit by injuries in the later years. He was better then both Bonucci and Chiellini althought he didn't have that enormous presence and charisma Chiellini have.
Cannavaro wasn't even as good as Thuram, let alone Nesta. Cannavaro's legacy is changed and reputation is changed due to that world cup where he was flawless during the knockouts.
And Moore. Never forget Moore.
