Top 10 best center backs in the Premier league

Football fans and enthusiasts, if you are looking for the best centre backs in the Premier League, then you have come to the right place. From the aerial prowess of Virgil van Dijk to the peerless distribution of Lisandro Martinez, the Premier League is blessed with some of the best centre backs in the world. So let’s Premiumsoccertips.net take a look at the 10 best center backs in the Premier league right now, ranking them from worst to best.

Who is the best center back in the Premier league?

10. Sven Botman

Coming in at number ten on our list is Newcastle’s Sven Botman, who joined the club in the summer transfer window ahead of the 2022/23 season last year. The Dutchman, who was previously linked with Liverpool, has fitted perfectly into Newcastle’s defence and formed a fantastic partnership with Fabian Schar.

In the view of many, the defender’s arrival has been one of the main reasons why Newcastle have become so difficult to beat, helping them secure a Champions League spot this season. Botman boasts a passing accuracy of 92% and wins an average of 4.8 aerial duels per game, and these stats are only set to improve as he continues to develop, as he is still only 23.

9. Manuel Akanji

Manchester City’s signing of Manuel Akanji from Borussia Dortmund ahead of the 2022/23 season came as a surprise to many fans, but the Swiss international has proven to be a smart signing for Pep Guardiola. Akanji has not only lived up to expectations but has also been instrumental in City’s success, particularly in their Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

Pep Guardiola has put his faith in Akanji in big games from the start of the season, and his starting the defender in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, where City kept a clean sheet and won, was a testament to that. Akanji has been versatile at both left and right back this season, but his ability to play at centre-back is equally impressive, earning him a place in this list of the best centre-backs in the game. With his consistent form and versatility, Akanji will continue to be an important part of Man City’s squad this season.

8. Ibrahima Konate

While Liverpool’s defence may be a little shaky at the moment, there’s no denying that Ibrahima Konate has impressed since moving to Anfield from RB Leipzig in 2021. The Frenchman is incredibly quick and strong, essentially covering the entire right-hand side of the defence while Trent Alexander-Arnold moves into midfield.

Konate has won 3.1 aerial duels per game during his time at Liverpool, according to the Premier League, and also has an impressive passing accuracy of 89%, which shows his composure on the ball. Whatever Liverpool do this year, whether it’s in the Premier League or Europa League, Konate will be a big reason why the Reds are doing well.

7. Gabriel

Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel is one of the Premier League’s most formidable centre-backs, combining physicality, aggression and technical ability to perfection. According to Opta, he averages 2.5 tackles and 5 clearances per game, impressive numbers that demonstrate Gabriel’s efficiency and tenacity in defence. He has been instrumental in cementing Arsenal’s defence, helping the Gunners not only maintain stability but also move closer to winning the Premier League.

Gabriel’s partnership with William Saliba has created a strong and difficult-to-penetrate centre-back pairing. Their team-based defence has made Arsenal one of the most solid in the league. With his continued development and progression, Gabriel will continue to be an important part of the Arsenal squad for many years to come, not only with his excellent defensive abilities but also with his strong fighting spirit, helping the team towards great success in the future.

6. Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martínez is currently considered one of the best passing centre-backs in the Premier League, especially when holding the ball at his feet. He possesses impressive ball control and distribution, which is something that every modern centre-back, especially at the highest level, needs. Not only that, Martínez also possesses a fierce and strong ability in contested situations, which makes him one of the most formidable defenders in the league. Despite his short stature, Lisandro is always confident on the ball and is not afraid of contact, which is the factor that made Manchester United’s defence difficult to beat last season.

With the support of excellent goalkeeper Andre Onana this season, Martínez’s ability has been further developed. Combined with the solidity of the defence and the coordination with the goalkeeper, no one can predict the level of excellence that Martínez will show in the coming seasons. With his impressive form and leadership in defence, he will surely continue to be an important part of Manchester United’s long-term strategy.

5. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva, despite being 39 years old, has maintained his impressive form and continues to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League, like a fine wine that gets better with age. Silva’s ability to read the game is unparalleled, and that is a key factor in helping him play at a high level in a league as youthful as the Premier League, where he faces players nearly 20 years younger than him. This not only proves Silva’s natural talent but also affirms the intelligence and valuable experience he brings to the team.

Not only is he one of the best defenders in the world today, Thiago Silva is also one of the greatest centre-backs of the 21st century. With his character and leadership, he has been a solid support for Chelsea this season. If the team is to achieve great things, Thiago Silva will play a key role, helping them go further and compete for major trophies. His experience and composure are the factors that help Chelsea maintain stability in defense at important moments.

4. William Saliba

William Saliba’s excellent defensive record last season proved him to be a top centre-back. However, when Saliba was absent through injury, Arsenal’s performances also showed his importance. His absence left the team facing huge difficulties, especially in maintaining defensive stability and developing attacks. This only further confirmed Saliba’s irreplaceable contribution to Arsenal’s style of play.

His solid defensive ability, coupled with his composure on the ball and initiating attacks, helped Arsenal maintain an impressive form and almost win the Premier League title last season. Saliba was a key factor in helping the Gunners not only defend their goal but also develop a fast-paced attacking style. After signing a new contract, there is no denying that Mikel Arteta will build his team around the talented 22-year-old centre-back for the next decade, with faith in Saliba’s future development.

3. Virgil van Dijk

While he may not be at the level he once was, you can’t say that Virgil van Dijk is no longer one of the best defenders in the world, let alone the Premier League. The Dutchman has completely transformed Liverpool from a free-flowing attacking side with a shaky defence into one of the best teams in the world, winning every trophy possible.

VVD is incredibly calm on the ball, and strikers have to use every trick in the book to beat the Dutchman in a one-on-one battle, whether on the ground or in the air. Now Liverpool captain, Virgil still has a lot to offer Jurgen Klopp’s side, and remains one of the toughest defenders a striker has to face.

2. Rubén Dias

A jewel in the Manchester City defence, Dias has built a reputation as a superb defender and one of the best players in the world in his position. Known for his fearless tackling, with an impressive 73% success rate, Dias is also an underrated passer of the ball, an essential element of Pep Guardiola’s style of play.

Coming from Benfica, no one expected Dias to be as good as he is, but the Portuguese is one of City’s most important players, and he proved it last season. After returning to the team after a number of injury absences, Dias turned City’s fortunes around and helped Pep Guardiola’s side secure the wins they needed to retain the Premier League and Champions League.

1. John Stones

There simply isn’t a defender in the Premier League, or indeed the world, who can do what John Stones does. Stones has been a key part of City’s defence for years now, but his importance to Pep’s team has changed over the last year. Recognising Stones’ ball-playing ability, Guardiola has given Stones the task of cutting into midfield and starting attacks, which has served City well in their run of Premier League and Champions League victories.

As one of the best players in the world, regardless of position, it’s hard to argue that John Stones isn’t the best centre-back (or even full-back) in the Premier League right now. The art of defending, often overshadowed by the glamor of goals and assists, remains the backbone of every successful team. No team can dominate their respective league, or even individual competitions, without a world-class backline.

Conclusion

The Premier League currently boasts some excellent centre-backs who are not only strong in defence but also capable of getting involved in attack. From the solidity of Virgil van Dijk, the excellent reading of the game of Thiago Silva, to the versatility of Gabriel and young talent like William Saliba, these centre-backs play a vital role in the success of their clubs. They not only provide solidity at the back but also lead the team in important games. With the continued development of modern centre-backs, the Premier League continues to see top performances, cementing itself as one of the best centre-backs in the world.

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