Source: Daily_Mail
THE LIST: 30-21 of the best defenders to have graced English football
It's been a goodseason for defenders. Apart from a recent wobble, Rio Ferdinand andNemanja Vidic have been getting as least as much praise as the forwards inManchester United's assault on titles across the world.[LNB] THE LIST: Read Nos 40-31THE LIST: Read Nos 50-41AndLiverpool's Jamie Carragher, Chelsea skipper John Terry and rejuvenatedTottenham centre half Ledley King have shown the kind of form that willmake them for ever greats of the English game.[LNB]But who are theyrubbing shoulders with? Sportsmail presents its list of the top 50defenders to have played in the history of English football.[LNB]Takea look at our latest instalment as we reveal 10 each day on the way tothe No 1, unveiled on Friday. Make sure you join the debate on ourmessage boards. [LNB]SPORTSMAIL'S top defenders to have played in English football - Nos 30-21... HAVE YOUR SAY... WHO IS THE BEST DEFENDER TO HAVE PLAYED IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL? Sportsmail's team of experts have compiled a LIST of the top 50 defenders ever to have played in English football. With hundreds of top-notch stoppers to choose from, some big names miss out. Do you agree with our selections? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK 30 Peter Swan (Sheff Wed)29 Martin Buchan (Manchester United) 28 Lucas Radebe (Leeds United)27 Martin Keown (Aston Villa, Everton, Arsenal)26 Kevin Ratcliffe (Everton)25 Tommy Smith (Liverpool)24 Phil Thompson (Liverpool)23 Brian Labone (Everton)22 Kenny Sansom (Crystal Palace, Arsenal)21 Gary Neville (Man United) No 30: Many believe Sheffield Wednesday legend Peter Swan (pictured with sons Carl and Garry near their home in Stannington, near Sheffield) would have played in the 1966 World Cup had it not been for the betting scandal in the early Sixties that saw him banned and jailed for four months[LNB] [LNB] No 29: Martin Buchan (left, challenging Arsenal's Alan Sunderland in the 1979 Cup Final) captained Manchester United during some difficult years in the Seventies. Another solid Scot[LNB] [LNB] No 28: So good at Leeds that fans the Kaiser Chiefs obscurely named their band after his former team (even if they spelled it differently)[LNB]No 27: Had his best years alongside Tony Adams at Arsenal, winning the Double twice and a third League title while claiming 43 England caps[LNB] No 26: Kevin Ratcliffe spent more than a decade at Everton when the club had a glorious spell in the mid-Eighties[LNB]No 25: Uncompromising Tommy Smith was Shankly's enforcer, winning four League titles, one European Cup[LNB]No 24: Completing a row of Merseyside legends, Phil Thompson more or less succeeded Smith and enjoyed more glory[LNB] [LNB] No 23: Brian Labone was among the best England central defenders of the 1960s, but the Everton man missed the 1966 World Cup because he was getting married![LNB]No 22: With more than 80 caps for England - unfortunately during the Eighties - Kenny Sansom was a star at left back for Arsenal and Crystal Palace[LNB] [LNB] No 21: Gary Neville, the Manchester United captain who 'hates Scousers' (according to the Stretford End) has proved a steady right back at Old Trafford and for England[LNB]THE BEST OF THE REST OF THE LISTSportsmail's top 50 performers of the season so farSportsmail's top 50 all-time managers in BritainSportsmail's top 50 goal poachersSportsmail's top 50 footballing traitorsSportsmail's top 50 goalkeepersSportsmail's top 50 wingersSportsmail's top 50 FA Cup heroes
