How Van De Ven and Romero ranked in 15 current Best Centre-Backs in the Premier League Right Now
In modern football, the spotlight almost always shines brightest on the attacking stars—those who score the goals, rack up the assists, and become viral moments on social media. Yet, beneath that glamour lies the true foundation of every elite team: a rock-solid defence. No side, at any level of the game, has ever dominated their league or conquered Europe without a world-class back line holding everything together.
The Premier League, in particular, has been blessed with generations of outstanding centre-backs—players whose mastery of the defensive arts defined eras. Icons such as Rio Ferdinand, Tony Adams, John Terry, and Vincent Kompany set the standard for what complete defenders should be: dominant in aerial duels, ice-cold in one-on-one situations, and intelligent enough to sense danger before it even materialised.
Today, the responsibility resting on centre-backs is even heavier. The Premier League is faster, more tactical, and more physically demanding than ever before. Modern defenders must not only win battles at the back but also initiate attacks, play out under pressure, and cover vast stretches of grass—all while facing some of the most lethal forwards in world football.
Even so, the current crop of Premier League centre-backs may be one of the greatest groups the league has ever seen. From Virgil van Dijk, widely regarded as the most influential defender of his generation, to William Saliba, Arsenal’s prodigious 23-year-old who has already anchored a title challenge, the league is overflowing with quality.
To determine who truly stands above the rest, we’ve ranked the 15 best centre-backs in the Premier League right now. Our evaluation considers:
Ranking Criteria Current form in the 2025/26 season Overall importance to their teams Career success at their current clubs Quality of performances in recent seasons, especially 2023/24 Injury history, including extended spells on the sidelines Standing within their squad and the depth of competition around them
Some players recovering from injuries still make the list due to their undeniable quality and long-term impact.
15. Malick Thiaw – Newcastle United
Newcastle’s turbulent summer overshadowed what may be one of the smartest signings of the window: bringing in Malick Thiaw from AC Milan. Despite joining during a chaotic period for the Magpies, the 24-year-old has acclimatised to Premier League football with remarkable ease.
Standing at 6’4″, he has used his imposing frame effectively in both penalty areas. His partnership with Sven Botman has emerged as one of the few bright spots in Eddie Howe’s difficult season. While Botman narrowly misses out on this ranking, Thiaw gets the nod due to his consistency and immediate influence.
With veteran Fabian Schär entering the twilight of his career, Thiaw looks set to become a key pillar of Newcastle’s defence for the present and the long-term future.
14. Nathan Collins – Brentford
Plenty of pundits and bookmakers predicted a rough season for Brentford, especially after losing key attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, as well as long-serving manager Thomas Frank. But Nathan Collins has been one of the primary reasons the Bees remain incredibly difficult to break down.
Commanding, composed, and deceptively quick, the 24-year-old Irishman has emerged as new manager Keith Andrews’ defensive general. His towering presence and improved positional awareness have caught the attention of top clubs, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur previously linked.
If this form continues, Collins may enter the FIFA World Cup as Ireland’s captain—and deservedly so.
13. Omar Alderete – Sunderland
Sunderland’s remarkable rise this season hasn’t happened by chance. Their defensive transformation has been driven by Omar Alderete, signed from Getafe for £10 million. A fierce, front-foot defender, the Paraguayan has injected aggression and authority into Regis Le Bris’ back line.
His match-winning header against Nottingham Forest highlighted his impact at both ends of the pitch. Sunderland noticeably struggled during his recent concussion absence, failing to keep a clean sheet—proof of just how vital he has become.
At 28, Alderete looks like an inspired signing for a club pushing well above expectations.
12. Matthijs de Ligt – Manchester United
After a difficult first year at Old Trafford, Matthijs de Ligt looks revitalised under Rúben Amorim. The Dutchman, once billed as Europe’s next defensive superstar at Ajax, is rediscovering the composure, leadership, and physical dominance that made him so highly rated.
Still only 26, de Ligt is performing at a level that reminds many of his early promise. If United are to claw their way back to stability, he will be the cornerstone of that revival.
11. Jan Paul van Hecke – Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton’s recruitment machine has unearthed yet another gem. Jan Paul van Hecke, often partnered with Lewis Dunk, has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most underrated centre-backs.
The 25-year-old’s blend of aggression, anticipation, and composure on the ball has seen his market value skyrocket since his arrival in 2020. Interest from Tottenham suggests his performances are turning heads across the top flight.
If he continues at this level, he’ll break into the elite tier sooner rather than later.
10. Joško Gvardiol – Manchester City
Guardiola treasures versatility, and Joško Gvardiol epitomises it. Initially deployed as a left-back, he has now transitioned into his natural centre-back role, showcasing why City invested so heavily in him.
Despite City’s wobble last season, the Croatian stood out as a consistent performer. At 23, he has all the tools—ball-playing ability, physical strength, intelligence—to become one of the greatest defenders in Manchester City’s history.
9. Ezri Konsa – Aston Villa
A calm, elegant defender, Ezri Konsa seems destined to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the next World Cup. Comfortable playing across the back line, his maturity and reliability have been instrumental in Aston Villa’s resurgence following a shaky start to the season.
His growing partnership with Pau Torres is turning into one of the most balanced duos in the league. Konsa’s consistency places him among the top defenders in both England and Europe.
8. Ibrahima Konaté – Liverpool
Overshadowed for years by the presence of Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté remains one of Liverpool’s finest signings of the Jurgen Klopp era. His mix of physicality, composure, and assured ball-carrying makes him one of Europe’s most complete defenders when in form.
However, his performances this season have dipped. With Real Madrid circling amid speculation over his contract, Konaté needs to rediscover his peak levels to help Liverpool steady their defence.
7. Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur
Few defenders have made an immediate impact on Premier League football like Micky van de Ven. Blessed with phenomenal pace—officially the fastest player ever recorded in the league—alongside intelligence and power, he transformed Tottenham’s defence the moment he arrived.
Despite injuries disrupting his debut season, he has already delivered unforgettable moments, including a spectacular solo goal against Copenhagen in the Champions League. As Ange Postecoglou builds a long-term project, Van de Ven is unquestionably central to it.
6. Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace
Marc Guéhi’s rise has been steady and impressive. A standout performer at Euro 2024 and captain of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup-winning side, Guéhi has continued to show elite-level quality.
Despite missing out on a summer move to Liverpool, he maintained professionalism and leadership under Oliver Glasner. Palace know they will likely lose him in the near future, but keeping him for now has paid off as he remains vital at both ends of the pitch.
5. Cristian Romero – Tottenham Hotspur
Cristian Romero plays on the edge—and sometimes over it—but that intensity is also what makes him world class. Aggressive, passionate, and fearless, he was crucial in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph and continues to be a defensive leader for Spurs.
Though his disciplinary record is shaky, his talent is undeniable. In big matches, Romero thrives, often delivering his most commanding performances when the pressure is highest.
4. Rúben Dias – Manchester City
At his best, Rúben Dias is arguably the most complete defender in England. A natural leader, brilliant tackler, and deceptively sharp passer, he embodies Pep Guardiola’s ideal centre-back.
Though last season wasn’t his finest, Dias has returned to his dominant best. His presence transforms City defensively, and his importance becomes glaringly obvious whenever he’s absent.
3. William Saliba – Arsenal
Few defenders in the world have risen as quickly as William Saliba. Since breaking into Arsenal’s first team in 2022/23, he has been nothing short of exceptional—calm, composed, and utterly dominant.
Arsenal’s title collapse two seasons ago coincided with his injury, underlining just how valuable he is. Last year, he returned stronger than ever, neutralising elite forwards with an ease rarely seen in a player so young.
He recently ranked himself among the Premier League’s top three centre-backs—an assessment that feels modest.
2. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk’s legacy is already secured. At his peak, he produced defensive performances that seemed almost superhuman. Even now, at 34, he continues to be one of the league’s best, capable of massive influence on Liverpool’s structure and confidence.
His form this season has been inconsistent, mirroring Liverpool’s struggles, but there’s little doubt he’ll rise again. Van Dijk has always answered critics with performances, and Arne Slot will lean heavily on his leadership as Liverpool attempt to regain momentum.
1. Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal
Arsenal’s defensive anchor, Gabriel, has emerged as the Premier League’s standout centre-back. Combining raw power with superb positional sense and increasing composure on the ball, he has formed arguably world football’s best partnership alongside Saliba.
This season, his dominance in aerial duels and decisive performances—including match-winning displays like the comeback victory over Newcastle—have placed him at the top of the pyramid.
At 27, Gabriel is entering his prime years, and his influence could be the key to finally ending Arsenal’s long wait for a Premier League title.