The CIES Football Observatory compile a list twice a year of the highest valued players in Europe based on their positions on the pitch.

Following our look at the most valuable midfielders in our article last week, we will now switch our focus to the defenders.

CIES assess eight different variables to come up with their transfer values. Age, career progression, contract length, recent performances, inflation, the club’s sporting and economic levels, as well as international status, are all considered.

Press the next page as we go through the five most valuable defenders in Europe’s top five leagues.