Written by 
Samuel – November 20, 2024
Various teams across Europe can begin to analyze their respective start-of-season performances as the first half of the season approaches in main European Leagues.
Many clubs have started fairly, while some are outperforming expectations as intended before the new season began.
Moving on, defense in many clubs has been an issue since the beginning of the season, with several teams unable to find the right defensive balance and conceding cheap goals.
On the other hand, some clubs have found the perfect defensive partnership in the early phase of the season, producing a rock-solid defense that makes it difficult for opponents’ assaults to breach.
Therefore, we will explore the most effective defensive pairings in Europe’s elite Leagues, highlighting clubs with exceptional defensive prowess.
1) Liverpool
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, has been outstanding since the start of the season, and they are currently one of Europe’s finest teams in terms of performances.
Arne Slot appears to have found his ideal centre-back pairing in Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, with both starting almost every game thus far.
The two tend to have a good relationship and understanding, which is demonstrated by their defensive collaboration on the pitch. They are clearly the best centre-back duo in the Premier League currently, conceding only six goals m in eleven matches.
Also, they have maintained a solid defense since Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper, Allison was injured, providing adequate defensive cover for second-choice Caoimhin Kelleher.
2) RB Leipzig
Leipzig has enjoyed a tremendous start to the season, outperforming expectations under manager Marco Rose.
They are presently second in the Bundesliga table with twenty-one points after ten League matches, five points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Although, they have a fair offensive record with fifteen goals thus far, their defensive record has been exceptional, ranking among the best in Europe.
Marco Rose seems to have discovered his ideal centre-back pairing after two years at the club, with Willi Orban, El Chadaille Bitshiabu and Lukas Klostermann conceding only five League goals.
El Chadaille Bitshiabu. who had a rough debut season with Leipzig last year, playing only six League matches, is now performing at a top level for the club and now a key player in Marco Rose’s defense.
3) Juventus
Thiago Motta seemed to be performing an excellent job at Juventus since his arrival in June.
He has returned the Old Lady to winning ways, with twenty-four points in twelve matches and only two points behind League leaders Napoli heading into the international break.
One of his achievements so far has been the establishment of a sturdy defense, which is now regarded as the best in the League with only seven goals conceded.
Thiago Motta has found his preferred centre-back combo with Pierre Kalulu and Federico Gatti, who have started the majority of their games together in all competitions.
Juventus’ troubles last season under Massimiliano Allegri were heightened by their frail defense, which conceded thirty-one League goals, but Thiago Motta appears to have remedied the problem with the signing of Pierre Kalulu from AC Milan on loan.
4) Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s low-block defensive technique appears to be working, as he boasts the best defense in the La Liga this season.
Although, Simeone had a poor last season particularly defensively, having conceded forty-three League goals, there seems to be a substantial improvement since the start of the new season.
Simeone’s defensive strategy has been versatile, alternating between using two centre backs, Clement Lenglet with Jose Maria Gimenez, and introducing Axel Witsel to make three centre backs, especially in big games.
Furthermore, the signing of Conor Gallagher has significantly improved the team’s midfield, with the English midfielder providing considerable defensive balance as well as covering pockets of space for the defense to avoid opening up in transition.
5) Monaco
Monaco is off to a strong start this season after losing the League title to Paris Saint-Germain by nine points the previous season.
Head Coach Adi Hutter will be pleased with his team’s defensive performance, as they enter the international break as the lowest conceding team in the League.
Wilfried Singo and Thilo Kehrer’s centre-back combo has shown to be excellent and difficult for opposing attackers to penetrate, conceding eight goals thus far.
The Verdict
Major League across Europe are increasingly approaching the first half of the season, where defensive performances are being assessed. Clubs struggling defensively have ample opportunity to improve following the international break while those with impressive record must strive to maintain that momentum as the season progresses.