In football attacking players often get most of the praise when their team is achieving results while players in other positions are often overlooked. Defenders are typically ignored when accolades and awards are given out, yet it would be wrong to underestimate the contribution and influence of key defensive players such as Italy’s Paolo Maldini or France’s Lilian Thuram, just to name a couple of outstanding talents.

At the moment, the pool of skilled and astute defenders is perhaps shrinking but there are still a number of remarkable centre-backs and full-backs. Below is a list of some of the famous defenders who are likely headed to South Africa 2010 unless there is a major surprise such as injury or suspension:

- Brazil’s Maicon Douglas:  The right-back is a nightmare for opposition players with his speed and skills. He is perhaps more famous for his marauding runs than his defensive abilities but that should not take away from his solid defensive contribution. He often retrieves the ball and starts his team’s next attack.

- England’s John Terry: The heart beat of a Chelsea side which won a number of league and cup titles since 2000. The centre-back is quite influential in the locker room and on the pitch. He is England’s best defender and captains both club and national team. Terry often puts his body on the line and is quite strong on the ball and in the air.

- Spain’s Carles Puyol: The captain of a talented Barcelona team and one who can play both as a centre-back or full-back. He has won the Champions League twice already as well as Euro 2008 with Spain. His presence in the back-line guarantees a resolute, experienced and assured presence which puts his fellow defenders and the goalkeeper at ease. He will be key to Spain’s fortunes considering the other defenders are not up to his level.

- Serbia’s Nemanja Vidic: Perhaps Manchester United’s best defender and the  main reason behind the team’s solid defensive displays last season. United went on a record run of 14 consecutive games while keeping a clean sheet and Vidic deserves a decent chunk of the credit for that remarkable achievement. He has won three consecutive Premier League titles as well as the Champions League once. He will be crucial for Serbia’s hopes in advancing beyond the group stage in South Africa.

- Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini: Some may consider him as a surprise inclusion but those who have watched him play for Juventus and Italy know that this player can stop the best opposition players. Chiellini was an absolute colossus for Italy during Euro 2008 and was probably one of the very few bright spots in an otherwise disappointing tournament for the Azzurri. He was able to contain Spain’s lethal duo David Villa and Fernando Torres preventing both from getting on the score sheet during 120 minutes. He started as a left-back before being moved to centre-back position by former Bianconeri coach Claudio Ranieri. Italy will rely on his rock-solid and aggressive approach as captain Fabio Cannavaro continues his decline with age.

Obviously there are other defenders to consider but those remain some of the solid names expected to perform well during next summer’s World Cup. The likely exclusion of Alessandro Nesta due to his international retirement means he will not be included in this discussion. Nesta has been performing admirably for Milan this season after returning from a long-term injury. Defenders from both France and Portugal have been excluded because both countries are not assured of a spot next summer in South Africa.