The Premier League has been blessed with some all-time defensive talent over the years, but we’ve picked out our top five from the current crop applying their trade in the English top-flight. This isn’t necessarily based solely on the defensive qualities of the individual, but instead on how they fulfil their role.
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Reece James – Chelsea
Reece James just about gets the nod over Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold – he’s just a more well-rounded and effective full-back. Not only did he match Alexander-Arnold’s Premier League goal contributions last season – 14 in 26 games – but he was also far superior defensively. There is no apparent weakness to the 22-year-old’s game, and he looks favourite to claim England’s right-back spot as we head towards the World Cup.
Ruben Dias – Manchester City
There weren’t too many predicting the impact Ruben Dias would have when Manchester City bought him from Benfica. In two incredibly impressive campaigns, the 25-year-old has cemented his place as one of the best centre-halves in Europe – let alone the Premier League. Physically, he’s superb, but he’s one of those players that you rarely see sprint because of how well he reads the game. Aerially dominant in both boxes, effortlessly composed on the ball and with the passing range of a central midfielder, he’d get into just about any team in the world.
Thiago Silva – Chelsea
An absolute veteran of the game, Thiago Silva is undoubtedly a defensive hall-of-famer. It was tough to know what to expect when he arrived from Paris, seemingly coming towards the end of a long, illustrious career. He brought a calmness to the Chelsea defence, mopping up everything that came his way. The Brazilian commanded a back-line that needed direction, making the players around him look infinitely better. In just a single season, he helped lead Chelsea to Champions League glory for the first time since 2012, orchestrating a defensive masterclass in the final as they saw off Premier League champions Manchester City.
Joao Cancelo – Manchester City
What Pep Guardiola thought he was getting in Joao Cancelo was a very solid full-back option, but what he ended up with is the best full-back in world football. A truly sensational player, you could slot the 28-year-old in at right-back, left-back, on the wing or in central midfield – he’d be sublime in every one of those positions. He is technically gifted, physically robust, and has a footballing IQ that Guardiola must adore. Cancelo is in the prime of his career and there is no limit to what he could go on to achieve for his club and country.
Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
A tricky start to the season for Liverpool and people have forgotten just how incredible a centre-half Van Dijk is. In a meteoric rise to the top, the Dutch giant has secured a spot in the history books alongside the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. You’ve never seen mud on this man’s shorts, because he never has to go to ground. He’s quicker than you, stronger than you, reads the game better than you – a striker’s worst nightmare. Van Dijk has won everything there is to win at Liverpool, and he has plenty of time left yet!
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