Fabio Cannavaro has highlighted Harry Maguire and John Stones as the two “best” English defenders but suggested they lack a “nasty streak”.
Speaking to The Sun, the World Cup-winning Italian legend was effusive in his praise of the England duo but did point out that he felt neither could match Giorgio Chiellini in terms of marking top strikers across the game.
Chiellini, a veteran of successful teams for both Italy and Juventus, made his mark in his country’s Euro 2020 final win over England when he pulled Bukayo Saka down from behind by grabbing his shirt as the more experienced Italians grew into the game following Luke Shaw’s early goal.
“Stones and Maguire have shown interesting things in recent years,” he said.
“They can both play football, defend and fear no one.
“They are good individually and with the rest of the backline. They are points of reference for Manchester City and Man United — and undoubtedly the two best English defenders.
“When the going gets tough, they take responsibility and are not afraid of trying new things.
“But Chiellini still embodies the spirit of the Italian defender and that level of concentration needed to stop a striker in a difficult moment.
“Maguire and Stones play a totally different type of football and may lack a nasty streak at times. Which Giorgio has.”
