216 Bundesliga players anonymously voted for the best defender in world football and the results are fascinating
A group of players from the Bundesliga have taken part in an anonymous survey to determine the best defender in world football based on performances from this season.
German publication kicker, who conduct the survey annually, gave 216 footballers from all 18 Bundesliga clubs the chance to have their say on some of the game's most debated topics.
For example, after recording 18 goals and 25 assists in all competitions for Barcelona this season, Lamine Yamal was named the best attacking player by more than half (53.7%) of voters.
The 17-year-old forward beat Ousmane Dembele (6.9%) and Kylian Mbappe (6%) to first place, while teammate Raphinha finished fourth in the standings with 4.6%. Florian Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland also feature.
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So, what about defenders? After a superb season for Liverpool, centre-back Virgil van Dijk came out on top after receiving 27.3% of the vote.
Van Dijk, who helped the Reds secure a record-equalling 20th league title in what was an impressive debut season for Arne Slot, was recently rewarded for his efforts with a two-year deal.
Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni placed second in the standings with 15.7% of the vote, while Arsenal's William Saliba (12%), Barcelona's Pau Cubarsí (4.2%) and Real Madrid's Antonio Rudiger (3.7%) followed behind.
As well as the above, Manchester City vice-captain Ruben Dias made the list after receiving 3.7% of the ballot, not to mention Marquinhos (3.2%), Rodri (3.2%), Jonathan Tah (2.3%) and Josko Gvardiol (2.3%).
Hansi Flick, meanwhile, was voted the best coach following a title-winning campaign with Barcelona.
The German received an impressive 31.9% of the vote, and even placed ahead of Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, who lifted the Champions League on Saturday night with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan.
Xabi Alonso, Pep Guardiola, Arne Slot, Simone Inzaghi, Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta also received a share of the votes.
As well as the above, all 216 footballers were asked questions relating to their own league.
Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who joined the club from Fulham last summer for £42.3 million plus add-ons, was voted the biggest disappointment among Bundesliga outfield players after making just 24 appearances in all competitions.
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz was unsurprisingly named the most impressive outfield player, receiving 28.2% of the vote.
Topics: Bundesliga, Germany, Champions League, Inter Miami, Liverpool, FC Barcelona
Jack Kenmare