AC Milan have had a number of strong defenders play for them across the years, and this is especially the case when you look at the Italian talent.
Massimiliano Allegri is one of the finest defensive managers in modern football, and he has often built his defensive lines around experience. So, he certainly would have loved to have managed a few Rossoneri legends.
When you look at Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta, Marco Baresi and Jaap Stam, amongst countless others, you could argue that a historic Rossoneri backline could be the finest offering that football has seen in terms of defensive units.
Ferdinand’s defensive opinion
Another modern great to represent the Devils, albeit the Red ones from Manchester, Rio Ferdinand was asked by MilanNews about whether he was better than Nesta, and his response was a little interesting.
Rio, who was stronger, you or Nesta?
“Nesta, Nesta. But Baresi was the greatest of all.”
His answer would probably be agreed with by most football lovers; indeed, there have been few better than Baresi.
Nesta, Maldini, Stam and Costacurta were all better than Ferdinand. And Costacurta was 40+
Agree! Ferdinand was good but nowere neat Nesta and Maldini
Sorry but there’s more than 2 Milan defenders that were better than Rio.
Rio doesn’t belong in the same conversation as Maldini, Nesta, Baresi. Great defender but these guys were on a different planet
Franco Baresi is the greatest.
He was a Center back and a midfielder/regista at the same time.
Nesta was the most elegant center back. Too bad too many injuries stoped him from having even a greater career.
Marco Baresi? FTW…
The son of Van Basten and Baresi. Haven’t you heard?
It’s madness I tell you, madness!
What a creature
Myself and a pal always joke that Adriano was the love child of Vieri and R9
Strange he didn’t mention Maldini, since he played against him as a CB back in 2004/05 and the subsequent years as well.
Whilst Maldini could play anywhere along the back, I think a lot of people naturally think about Maldini at LB so perhaps that was why. There is no way anyone doesn’t think about Maldini and Milan when talking about the best defenders!