He is the best defender in the world by far. Always has been. When he challenges play, he does it so perfectly. There is so much confidence that he won't even come close to causing a foul. Better than Cannavaro.
By far, Cannavaro, Maldini, Nesta and Zambrotta was the best defensive line ever. Too bad Nesta's injury woes slowed down his career.
I say this without bias.