Mirror: Artificial intelligence rated the top 10 defenders in history, Milan 5, no Premier League players listed
A few days ago, the British media "Mirror" selected the top 10 defenders in history with the help of artificial intelligence ChatGPT, and 5 of them have played for AC Milan. It is worth mentioning that none of these 10 players have played in the Premier League.
No. 10: Passarella
A key player for Argentina, the centre-back has won seven league titles in his home country and has enjoyed great success in his club career. He has also won two World Cups.
However, he only briefly played for Italian sides Fiorentina and Inter Milan in Europe, a situation that could be detrimental to him in the selection.
No. 9: Costa Kuta
Apart from a brief loan spell at Monza, the player spent his entire life at AC Milan. He is a Milan legend with 663 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring three goals.
Despite his apparent lack of contribution in attack, it did not do any damage to the honour achieved by Costa Kuta. The centre-back has won seven Serie A titles, five European Cups and many other titles, big and small.
Costa Curta played for Milan for 20 years
No. 8: Nesta
Another Italian legend, Nesta has had an equally successful career in Serie A. After winning many trophies at Lazio, he moved to AC Milan, where he won two more league titles, two Champions Leagues and many others. Nesta also helped Italy win the 2006 World Cup. According to ChatGPT, his defensive skills and excellent positional sense earned him a spot on this list.
7th place: Beckenbauer
Another World Cup winner, "The Queen", redefined the role of centre-back during his illustrious career with Germany and Bayern Munich. He has five Bundesliga titles and three European championship medals.
A Germany international with 103 appearances, Beckenbauer won the World Cup for his country in 1974. He doesn't rank a little higher on this list, and it seems that the AI is a bit harsh on him.
6th place: Roberto Carlos
If Beckenbauer changed the requirements for centre-backs, Brazil international Roberto Carlos has redefined what is required of full-backs in the modern era. He is arguably the first attacking left-back.
He is world-renowned for his stunning free-kicks at Real Madrid and Brazil. Carlos' peak was with Spanish giants Real Madrid, where he won four league titles and three Champions Leagues.
5th place: Franco Barresi
The Italian centre-back lives up to his name. Baresi is also a player who has played for only one club in his life, making 719 appearances for AC Milan in a 20-year career.
He played a key role in one of the most glorious periods in the club's history, helping the team win six league titles and three European Championship trophies. Baresi also won the 1982 World Cup and finished second in the Ballon d'Or in 1989.
Baresi lifted the Champions League for Milan
No. 4: Cafu
Although he is slightly less honoured than others, winning only two Serie A titles and one Champions League, the Brazilian was a key player in the country's World Cup wins in 1994 and 2002. Cafu is known for the incredible productivity and stamina he has shown throughout his career.
3rd place: Carlos Alberto
Another iconic Brazilian right-back, who became famous for his iconic goal in the 1970 World Cup final, became a legend in Brazil. For most of his time, he played for Santos with Pele. Although Alberto mainly plays at right-back, he is also capable of playing at centre-back, which is very helpful for Brazil.
2nd place: Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore is legendary in English football and even has his own statue outside Wembley Stadium, where he is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in football history. He made almost 650 appearances for West Ham United, before the Premier League was established, and made 108 appearances for England. To date, Moore remains the only Three Lions World Cup-winning captain.
No. 1: Paolo Maldini
At the top of this list is Paolo Maldini. He is known for his elegance, versatility at the back and excellent defensive skills, both in the middle and on the left. It's no surprise that he has a lot of trophies to his name. Throughout his career, he won seven Serie A titles, five Champions League titles, and three runners-up finishes in the Champions League final.
Maldini has reached eight Champions League finals in his career, the most in history