The Next Generation: 10 Young Defenders Rising to Stardom in La Liga

For many years, La Liga has been known for developing top-tier football talent, and the latest group of young defenders is a testament to that tradition.

These rising stars, hailing from various clubs, are making waves with their impressive performances on the field.

Each game they participate in highlights their skill, commitment, and drive to succeed at the highest level. These talented young defenders are not just building their reputations; they are also changing the perception of what it means to be a modern defender.

Their combination of technical skill, tactical awareness, and physical capabilities makes them tough competitors and essential players for their teams.

Whether it’s making a crucial tackle, organizing the defense, or starting an attack from the back, these young defenders are demonstrating their vast potential and showing that the future of La Liga’s defense is bright.

As we take a closer look at the profiles of these ten emerging young defenders, we will examine their individual journeys, their standout traits, and the influence they are already having on their teams.

Join us in honoring the next wave of defensive leaders who are set to make a lasting impact on La Liga and uphold the league’s esteemed legacy of excellence.

1. Pau Cubarsí

Pau Cubarsí, the talented young center-back for FC Barcelona, is known for his technical skills, physical presence, and mental fortitude.

Standing at 1.84 meters, Cubarsí excels in passing with high accuracy, effectively building play from the back with long-range and pinpoint passes. His strong tackling skills make him reliable in defensive situations, and he is formidable in aerial duels with excellent heading ability.

Cubarsí’s physical presence is evident in his strength and athletic build, although he could improve his acceleration.

Mentally, he is resilient and composed under pressure, showcasing leadership qualities and a positive attitude on the field.

Some say Cubarsí has the potential to become one of the best young defenders of his generation and is ready to be a great Barcelona center-back. With continued development, he could solidify his place as a key player for both club and country.

2. Hector Fort

Héctor Fort, the Spanish professional footballer, plays as a right-back for FC Barcelona. Known for his attacking and defensive skills, pace, and technical ability, Fort has quickly become a key player for the team.

Strengths: Fort’s pace and agility are notable, with bursts of speed down the wing. His technical skills, including footwork, close control, and composure in possession, make him versatile in different tactical systems.

Fort’s anticipation and game-reading abilities allow him to intercept the ball and make effective runs through the middle. His passing skills and vision enable him to work the ball into the box, and his high work rate reflects his determination to improve.

Playing Style: Fort is a modern full-back, comfortable in the build-up and equally competent offensively and defensively. He is best suited to playing as a right-back in a 4-3-3 formation.

Recent Achievements: According to Transfermarkt, Fort has played 11 matches across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League in the 2024/2025 season, contributing significantly to FC Barcelona’s success.

With his strengths and potential, Fort is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Read More: 10 Promising Defensive Stars Rising in Ligue 1

3. Cristhian Mosquera

Cristhian Mosquera, the promising young central defender currently playing for Valencia CF, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Known for his consistent performances in La Liga, Mosquera has earned recognition from organizations like the CIES Football Observatory.

Key Points about Mosquera:

• Highly Rated Prospect: Considered one of the top young defenders in Europe.
• Regular Starter for Valencia: Plays a significant role in Valencia’s defense, featuring in most matches.
• Strengths: Strong in reading the game, good positional awareness, adept at ball interception, and consistent performances.
• Areas for Improvement: Can sometimes struggle in aerial duels against stronger strikers.

In the 2024/2025 season, Mosquera has played 20 matches in La Liga, showcasing his defensive skills and consistency. With continued development, he has the potential to become one of the best young defenders of his generation.

Read More: 10 Rising Defensive Stars Making Waves in Serie A

4. Valentín Barco

Valentín Barco, the Argentinian professional footballer, is considered one of the country’s most exciting young prospects. Known for his energy, versatility, and ability to create chances for his teammates, Barco has quickly made a name for himself.

Strengths: Barco’s endless energy and powerful running are notable, and his versatility allows him to play as a left-back, left midfielder, and central midfielder. He is a specialist in set pieces and an accurate penalty taker. His creativity shines through with great crosses and through balls.

Weaknesses: Some say Barco’s right foot is not as strong as his left, and he can struggle with tackle force, often finding it challenging to compete for 50–50s on the ground. Additionally, he may not be as effective in carrying the ball during transitional phases of the game.

In the 2024/2025 season, Barco has played 7 matches in La Liga, contributing to his team’s efforts. With continued development, he has the potential to become one of the best young defenders of his generation.

5. Alejandro Blade

Alejandro Balde, the talented young defender for FC Barcelona, has been making waves in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. At just 21 years old, Balde has already shown his potential as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Strengths: Balde’s pace and agility make him a formidable presence on the left-back position. His technical skills, including precise passing and composure under pressure, allow him to contribute effectively to both defense and attack. Balde’s ability to read the game and intercept passes has been crucial for Barcelona’s defensive strategy.

Recent Achievements: In the 2024/2025 season, Balde has played 22 matches across La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist. His market value has risen to €50 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

Areas for Improvement: While Balde is strong in many areas, he could work on his aerial duels and tackling force to become even more effective against stronger opponents.

With his current form and potential, Balde is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Read More: Premier League’s Rising Stars: Top 10 Thrilling Young Strikers

6. Altor Paredes

Aitor Paredes, the promising young center-back currently playing for Athletic Bilbao, is regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Known for his strong physical attributes, particularly in aerial duels and tackling, Paredes has quickly become a key part of Athletic Bilbao’s defense.

Key Points about Paredes:

• Strengths: Strong in the air, good tackling ability, aggressive defending, and physical presence.
• Areas for Improvement: Can sometimes struggle with passing accuracy and decision-making in certain situations.
• Current Status: Considered a key part of Athletic Bilbao’s future, recently signed a contract extension with the club.

According to Transfermarkt, in the 2024/2025 season, Paredes has played 12 matches in La Liga, scored 2 goals, and made 4 assists. His market value has risen to €22 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

With continued development, Paredes has the potential to become one of the best young defenders of his generation.

7. Logan Costa

Logan Costa, the talented young defender for Villarreal, has been making a name for himself in La Liga. At just 23 years old, Costa has shown his potential as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Strengths: Costa’s pace and agility make him a formidable presence on the field. His technical skills, including precise passing and composure under pressure, allow him to contribute effectively to both defense and attack1. Costa’s ability to read the game and intercept passes has been crucial for Villarreal’s defensive strategy.

Recent Achievements: According to Transfermarkt, In the 2024/2025 season, Costa has played 15 matches in La Liga, scoring 2 goals and providing 0 assists. His market value has risen to €14.6 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

Areas for Improvement: While Costa is strong in many areas, he could work on his aerial duels and tackling force to become even more effective against stronger opponents.

Read More: 10 Young Defenders Who Could Revolutionize Real Madrid’s Backline

8. Jon Aramburu

Jon Aramburu, the Venezuelan professional footballer, plays as a right back for Real Sociedad. Known for his strong tackling, aerial duels, concentration, and ball interception skills, Aramburu has quickly become a key player for his team.

Strengths: Aramburu excels in tackling, aerial duels, concentration, and ball interception. His aggressive defending and physical presence make him a formidable opponent.

Weaknesses: Aramburu has no significant weaknesses, but he could work on reducing the number of fouls he commits during matches.

Style of Play: Aramburu prefers playing short passes, enjoys tackling, and often commits fouls.

In the 2024/2025 season, Aramburu has played 17 matches in La Liga, scoring 2 goals and providing 5 assists. His market value has risen to €11.9 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

With his current form and potential, Aramburu is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

9. Alejandro Frances

Alejandro Francés, the talented young defender for Girona FC, has been making a name for himself in La Liga. At just 22 years old, Francés has shown his potential as one of the best young defenders in the world.

Strengths: Francés’ pace and agility make him a formidable presence on the field. His technical skills, including precise passing and composure under pressure, allow him to contribute effectively to both defense and attack. Francés’ ability to read the game and intercept passes has been crucial for Girona’s defensive strategy.

Recent Achievements: In the 2024/2025 season, Francés has played 10 matches in La Liga, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. According to Transfermarkt, his market value has risen to €5 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

Areas for Improvement: While Francés is strong in many areas, he could work on his aerial duels and tackling force to become even more effective against stronger opponents.

With his current form and potential, Francés is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.

10. Loic Bade

Loïc Badé, the French professional footballer, plays center back for Sevilla FC. He’s considered a rising talent with a bright future.

Strengths: Badé is a strong header winner, averaging 4.48 aerial duels per 90 minutes, placing him in the 98th percentile. He is known for his defensive skills and his ability to contribute offensively. Badé likes to dribble and often clears the ball out of defense.

Potential: Badé’s market value is around €25 million, reflecting his potential and growth. His contract with Sevilla has been extended to 2029. His Ivorian descent could lead to interesting opportunities in international football.

Future: Badé has captured the attention of football fans around the world. Some say he has the quality to do well in English football.

Recent Achievements: In the 2024/2025 season, Badé has played 16 matches in La Liga, scoring 1 goal and contributing to 5 clean sheets. According to Transfermarkt, his market value has risen to €20 million, reflecting his growing importance to the team.

With his current form and potential, Badé is already regarded as one of the best young defenders in the world.