As we cross the halfway mark of the 2025/26 Premier League season, a fascinating trend has emerged: the "Goal-Scoring Defender" is no longer just a luxury—it’s a tactical requirement. While Erling Haaland and Igor Thiago battle for the Golden Boot, a cluster of center-backs and full-backs are quietly deciding games at the other end.
As of late January 2026, the race for the highest-scoring defender is a crowded one, with two North London rivals currently leading the pack.
1,Cristian Romero,Tottenham,4
2,Micky van de Ven,Tottenham,4k
3,Gabriel Magalhães,Arsenal,3
4,Jan Paul van Hecke,Brighton,3
5,Matty Cash,Aston Villa,3
6,Michael Keane,Everton,3
7,Trevoh Chalobah,Chelsea,3
The Standout Performers
1. The "Spurs" Duo: Romero & Van de Ven (4 Goals)
Tottenham’s high-line system under Ange Postecoglou allows their center-backs to be surprisingly active in the final third. Cristian Romero remains a constant threat from corners, but the real surprise has been Micky van de Ven. Utilizing his recovery speed, the Dutchman has scored twice this season by joining counter-attacks and finishing like a seasoned striker.
2. The Set-Piece King: Gabriel Magalhães (3 Goals)
Arsenal’s set-piece efficiency remains the gold standard in Europe. Gabriel has already netted three times, including a vital winner against Manchester United earlier this month. He has now surpassed 20 Premier League goals for Arsenal, moving closer to the all-time record for a defender at the club.
3. The Veteran Threat: Virgil van Dijk (2 Goals)
Though sitting on 2 goals this season, Virgil van Dijk made history this weekend. His goal against Bournemouth moved him to 22 Premier League goals, tying Sami Hyypia for the most goals by a defender in Liverpool's Premier League history.
Tactical Insight: Why are defenders scoring more?
The 2025/26 season has seen a record number of goals scored from dead-ball situations (corners and wide free-kicks). With coaches like Nicolas Jover (Arsenal) and Gianni Vio (now at Newcastle) focusing purely on set-piece geometry, defenders are being coached into "striker zones" more than ever before.
Opta Fact: Defenders have accounted for 14% of all Premier League goals so far this season, the highest percentage in the last decade.
The Verdict: While the strikers get the headlines, the clinical finishing of players like Romero and Gabriel is what’s keeping the title race tight. If you don't have a goal-scoring defender in your team, you're essentially playing with ten men.