Sports Mole counts down the 10 most expensive defenders of all time.

Defence may win titles if the age-old cliche is to be believed, but no rearguard stopper has ever surpassed the £100m transfer figure, which is less than can be said for midfield enforcers and dazzling attackers.

However, the demands of a modern defender are arguably greater than ever before; right-backs and left-backs have to be equally competent both on the wing and in hybrid midfield positions, while the best centre-backs must excel with the ball at their feet.

Simply hacking the ball clear of danger or tightly marking your designated man is no longer enough in the modern game, as managers increasingly look for defenders who offer more than just traditional no-nonsense defensive qualities.

The perfect centre-backs or full-backs can still be a rare find, though, meaning when one is found, clubs have no worries about paying well over the odds, with varying degrees of success.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at the 10 most expensive defenders in football history.

10. Marc Cucurella - Brighton & Hove Albion to Chelsea - £55.5m

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Having excelled in a Brighton & Hove Albion jersey, Marc Cucurella was one of a handful of...