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MLS: Top 5 centre-backs in the league right now

By Matt Coles

MLS, Minnesota United, Ike Opara (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
MLS, Minnesota United, Ike Opara (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 24: Eddie Segura #4 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Montreal Impact at the Banc of California Stadium on May 24, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 4-2. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – MAY 24: Eddie Segura #4 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC’s MLS match against Montreal Impact at the Banc of California Stadium on May 24, 2019, in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 4-2. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

2. Eddie Segura

Taking the second spot on our list of the best centre-backs who currently ply their trade in Major League Soccer is the only member of our top five who has spent just a single season in the league, Los Angeles FC’s Eddie Segura.

The 23-year-old began his professional career in his native Colombia with Deportivo Pereira, the side he spent the latter part of his youth career with. He then played for Atletico Huila before making the move to MLS on an initial loan deal.

MLS Career & Honours:

  • Los Angeles FC (2019-)

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  • Supporters’ Shield – 2019

Segura came to Los Angeles ahead of the start of the 2019 term on a six-month loan deal, but the club were so impressed with the centre-back’s performances that they opted to sign him on a permanent deal come July.

The Colombian defender featured in all 34 regular-season matches for the Black and Gold as they went on to win the Supporters’ Shield, playing alongside Zimmerman for the majority of the campaign. He started 33 of those 34 games, before playing every minute of their post-season run, which was ended by the eventual champions, Seattle Sounders, at the Western Conference Final stage.

Alongside club team-mate Eduard Atuesta, Segura was called up to the Colombian U23 squad for the CONMEBOL’s Pre-Olimpico, a pre-Olympic Games tournament, and the defender made his international debut in the event, playing six times as they finished in 4th place, behind only Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay.

The centre-back returned to California ahead of the start of the 2020 regular season, and played all 180 minutes of their opening two fixtures, including scoring his first goal of the year in their 3-3 draw with Philadelphia Union. Segura, especially at just 23 years of age, could be a key part of the club’s backline for plenty of years to come.

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