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Attackers may draw the eye, but there’s a reason the adage says defence wins championships. Here the Nominees for CONCACAF Best Men’s Defender of the Year!
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Here are the nominees for Best Men’s Defender of the Year:
Alphonso Davies played in more FIFA World Cup qualification matches than anyone else in 2021, making 13 appearances for Canada, as the team made it undefeated through the year in WCQ. He scored five goals in that time and continued to play well with Bayern, going the full 90 in the Club FIFA World Cup final to help defeat 2020 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League winners Tigres.
Sergino Dest won the inaugural Concacaf Nations League with the United States, playing in both of the summer’s Final Four matches, and also has impressed in FIFA World Cup qualification, scoring a critical goal against Costa Rica in October. He also lifted the Copa del Rey with Barcelona, starting the final against Athletic Club.
Jesus Gallardo landed on the Best XI of the SCCL thanks to his good performances in Monterrey’s run to the title. He also was a regular for El Tricolor, playing in the CNL Final Four and Concacaf Gold Cup, with Mexico finishing runner-up in each tournament. Gallardo also saw time in eight FIFA World Cup qualification matches.
Damion Lowe paced Jamaica’s back line throughout 2021, playing in all four of the Reggae Boyz’ Gold Cup matches and six FIFA World Cup qualification contests. He also played 27 matches with his club Al Ittihad in Egypt, seeing only five yellow cards and earning a move to Inter Miami.
Hector Moreno returned to the region for his club career after years playing abroad and made an immediate impact, winning the SCCL with Monterrey. He also played in the CNL and Gold Cup finals, finishing runner-up in both tournaments.
Miles Robinson had a breakout season with the U.S., scoring the goal that gave the Red, White and Blue the win in a thrilling Gold Cup final against Mexico. Robinson also played in six FIFA World Cup qualification matches and landed on the Best XI of both the Gold Cup and the MLS regular season.
James Sands raised a trophy with his club and country in 2021, playing a versatile role for the U.S. in the Gold Cup, making six appearances, and winning MLS Cup with his hometown New York City FC before decamping for Scottish side Rangers.
Sam Vines assisted the U.S. on the way to the 2021 Gold Cup title, scoring the winner in a Group B game against Haiti for his first international goal. He also excelled with the Colorado Rapids, earning a move to Belgian club Antwerp after the Gold Cup triumph.
Francisco Calvo was a constant presence for Costa Rica in defense, playing all three group matches at the 2021 Gold Cup and playing every minute of FIFA World Cup qualifiers, earning a pair of clean sheets.
Jorge Sanchez helped push Club America all the way to the final of the SCCL. He represented Mexico in FIFA World Cup qualification and played five of the team’s six matches at the Tokyo Olympics, including the 3-1 victory in the bronze medal game.
