A solid defense is the foundation of any title-winning team — a truth that has echoed throughout Premier League history.
As Sir Alex Ferguson once said, “Attack wins you games, but defense wins you titles.” And in today’s modern game, defenders aren’t
just tasked with tackling and clearing the ball — they’re also expected to start plays, dominate aerial duels, and maintain composure under pressure.
With the 2024/25 season in full swing, it’s time to rank the 10 best defenders in the Premier League right now.
These players have consistently demonstrated elite qualities, from leadership and tactical awareness to ball distribution and clutch performances.
🔍 Ranking Criteria
To determine the top 10 defenders, we looked at:
Current form: Ongoing consistency since the start of this season.
Impact on team success: How vital they are to their clubs.
Big-game performances: Delivering when it matters most.
Defensive stats: Tackles, clean sheets, duels won, and goal contributions.
🏆 Top 10 Best Defenders in the Premier League (2025)
10. Cristian Romero – Tottenham Hotspur
The Argentine center-back has evolved into one of Spurs’ most important players. Known for his aggressive style and impeccable timing,
Romero offers both leadership and tenacity at the back.
Appearances: 115
Goals: 7
Clean Sheets: 20+
Highlight: Key figure in Tottenham’s defensive resurgence under Ange Postecoglou.
9. Joško Gvardiol – Manchester City
Signed for £77 million in 2023, Gvardiol was seen as the future of City’s defense — and he's lived up to the hype.
Comfortable on the ball and physically imposing, the Croatian has rapidly become a starter under Guardiola.
Appearances: 83
Goals/Assists: 10 / 4
Strength: Aerial dominance and composure in build-up play.
8. Ibrahima Konaté – Liverpool
Konaté is Liverpool’s long-term solution at center-back. Combining pace, strength, and anticipation,
the Frenchman is entering his prime and remains crucial to Klopp’s system.
Appearances: 124
Goals/Assists: 5 / 2
X-Factor: Always reliable in big matches, especially in high lines.
7. Marc Guéhi – Crystal Palace
Once a Chelsea prospect, Guéhi has transformed into a leader at Palace. His composure, tackling technique,
and aerial ability have made him one of the most consistent English defenders.
Appearances: 145
Goals/Assists: 8 / 4
Captaincy: Leads the team on and off the pitch.
6. Gabriel Magalhães – Arsenal
Since joining Arsenal from Lille, Gabriel has become a defensive mainstay.
His aggression, aerial power, and left-footed balance are crucial to Mikel Arteta’s high-line system.
Appearances: 209
Goals: 20
Clean Sheets: 50+
Key Stat: Exceptional in both boxes, contributing in set pieces.
5. Rúben Dias – Manchester City
Dias remains a rock in City's backline. A natural leader and tactical genius, his positional awareness and reading of the game have played a big role in City’s dominance.
Appearances: 207
Goals/Assists: 4 / 5
Clean Sheets in PL: 135 appearances with outstanding shutout rate.
4. Antonee Robinson – Fulham
A surprise name for many, Robinson has been one of the best two-way fullbacks this season.
With over 10 assists and solid defensive numbers, he’s been Fulham’s standout star.
Appearances: 184
Goals/Assists: 3 / 21
Impact: Huge work rate, especially down the left flank.
3. Nikola Milenković – Nottingham Forest
The Serbian international joined Forest in 2024 and has transformed their defense. Strong in duels and quick in transitions,
Milenković has helped Forest rise into top-four contention.
Appearances: 29 (2024/25)
Goals/Assists: 4 / 1
Role: A defensive general leading Forest’s Champions League charge.
2. William Saliba – Arsenal
Saliba’s rise has been meteoric. After successful loan spells in France, he returned to Arsenal and cemented his place.
He combines elite ball control with defensive awareness well beyond his age.
Appearances: 122
Premier League Matches: 92
Goals/Assists: 7 / 2
Age: 23 — scary potential.
1. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool
Still the gold standard. Van Dijk remains the most complete defender in the league. Strong, calm, intelligent, and clutch —
he continues to deliver elite performances, anchoring Liverpool’s backline with leadership and poise.
Appearances: 311
Goals/Assists: 26 / 13
Clean Sheets: 96
Legacy: Possibly the best Premier League defender of the decade.
📢 Final Thoughts
The Premier League in 2025 is brimming with defensive talent — both experienced leaders and rising stars. While Virgil van Dijk continues to dominate,
players like Saliba, Gvardiol, and Milenković are proving they’re ready to take the mantle.
Who do you think is the best defender in the Premier League this season? Let us know in the comments below!