Where Matthijs de Ligt ranks in Serie A’s top 10 centre-backs

1. Milan Skriniar

There was a point not so long ago when it seemed that Skriniar was surplus to requirements at Inter. The Slovakian international struggled to adapt to Conte’s three-man defence in 2019/20 having thrived as part of a back four under Luciano Spalletti.

Thus, the Nerazzurri appeared ready to sell Skriniar in the summer of 2020 as Tottenham lurked, but he stayed put before reemerging as one of Serie A’s very best defenders.

His revival in 2020/21 was so impressive, and his knack for coming up with a clutch goal or two aided Inter’s Scudetto charge.

Skriniar’s brilliance has continued into 2021/22. The Slovakian international is a lockdown defender and some of Serie A’s most prolific forwards, including Tammy Abraham and Dusan Vlahovic, have felt the wrath of the Inter centre-back this season. He rarely ever goes to ground having mastered the tricky art of the standing tackle, and his physicality often deters even the toughest of opponents.

Overall, Skriniar’s an incredibly smart defender who’s only gotten better since the start of Conte’s second campaign at the club. He can contribute in possession, dominate aerially, break up attacks with unerring ease and provide a big moment or two in the opposition’s box.