20 Best Defenders in the Premier League Right Now [Ranked]

Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles. That sentence alone summarises the immense importance of those who operate in the backline of any team. In a division with so many incredible strikers of varying styles, Premier League defences must be as formidable as they come to achieve any measure of success.

While the days of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand marshalling their respective backlines are long gone, there remains a wealth of top-tier defenders operating in the English top flight. GIVEMESPORT has taken on the task of ranking the top 20 defenders based on key criteria.

Ranking factors

• Their current form – how well they’ve performed in the 2024/25 season.
• Overall importance to their respective teams – how do their sides perform without them?
• Success – how successful have they been at their current employers?
• How they’ve performed in recent seasons.
• Injuries – sustained periods on the sidelines were taken into account.
• Their status among their side’s other defenders – where do they stand in the pecking order?

10Ruben Dias

Manchester City

While Manchester City’s current form may impact where Ruben Dias falls in this list, there can be no denying the impact that the Portuguese defender has had since making the move to the Etihad. Fearless in tackles, a surprisingly skilled passer, and a commanding presence in defence, he is perfectly suited to Pep Guardiola’s style of football.

Granted, he wasn’t at his peak last season, nor has he reached his absolute best this term. Yet, the value Dias brings to Manchester City is undeniable, reflected in his consistent presence on the pitch. While players like John Stones and Manuel Akanji are often rotated, the Portuguese defender seems indispensable, with Guardiola’s side noticeably stronger when he’s in the lineup.

9Jurrien Timber

Arsenal

Blighted by injury, Jurrien Timber endured a difficult first season in north London for Arsenal – but 2024/25 has been his season. His innate consistency this term has been forged on solid foundations, and the 23-year-old has been pivotal to his side’s defensive stability: from being fierce in the challenge to his positional know-how.

The Dutchman, formerly of Ajax, has made the right-back berth his own amid concerns over Ben White’s long-term future in the capital. As such, Utrecht-born Timber has seldom enjoyed a sustained period of rest since returning from his ACL injury. Arsenal fans won’t mind, however, given how imperious he has been from start to finish.

8Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool

Under Jurgen Klopp’s reign, Ibrahima Konate wasn’t always the guaranteed partner to Virgil van Dijk. The Frenchman was a constant fixture in the Liverpool squad but would, at times, find himself being replaced by the likes of Joe Gomez, Joel Matip or Jarell Quansah.

Since Arne Slot’s arrival, however, the Dutch manager has established a preferred centre-half pairing that has seen Konate become a key part of Liverpool’s quest for the title. The time will come for him to take over the mantle from Van Dijk in the future, and Konate is beginning to show he is ready for the job.

7Nikola Milenkovic

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest have continued to be one of the surprise packages of the season, and two men epitomise that more than any other players in the Garibaldi squad: Chris Wood and Nikola Milenkovic. Very few would have assumed the central defender would adapt to English football as seamlessly as he has, yet he has made himself one of the hottest properties in the division.

The Serbian has formed an incredible partnership with Murillo – who we’ll get to – and, as a result, he has leap-frogged the likes of Manchester City duo John Stones and Ruben Dias in the current Premier League centre-back rankings.

6Josko Gvardiol

Manchester City

Signed in the summer of 2023, Josko Gvardiol arrived at Manchester City with the reputation of being one of the world’s most promising young talents. After excelling at RB Leipzig, Guardiola shelled out something of a hefty fee to bring him to the Etihad Stadium, and the Croatian has more than justified the investment.

Gvardiol exudes composure well beyond his years, rarely appearing pressured, and has added a sense of calm to Pep Guardiola’s backline. Additionally, he offers an attacking threat, having contributed five goals and two assists this term, solidifying his status as one of the standout players in east Manchester. Though City have struggled to find their best form this term, Gvardiol continues to grow in his role and is one of the players less at risk of his manager’s routine rotation.

5Murillo

Nottingham Forest

It’s becoming more and more obvious why Arsenal and Chelsea were targeting the 22-year-old in the summer of 2024. Just one season into his City Ground career, he had already become one of the most sought-after defenders in the country – and his reputation has since enhanced.

Defensively sound, of course, the most impressive aspect of the Sao Paulo-born defender’s skillset is his progressive ability. Often, the once-capped Brazil international is seen marauding up the pitch as he looks to make a difference in both boxes. In truth, he’s the whole package – and whoever snares his services in the near future will boast one of the most exciting defenders for years.

4Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal

The set-piece extraordinaire, Gabriel Magalhaes, has become more than just a crucial component of Mikel Arteta’s defence. He has also established himself as one of the most profitable players from corners in the Gunners’ squad. Arsenal’s recent reliance on these situations has often been criticised, but with one of the best set-piece coaches around, it makes sense to use this tactic to full effect.

While Gabriel’s partner (more on him to come soon!) often gets most of the limelight for Arsenal’s defensive-inspired robustness, the Brazilian is more than deserving of his spot on this list. There is no one else in the squad who could replicate his talents should he suffer an injury.

3Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool

When it comes to attacking full-backs, few in the Premier League – and world football, for that matter – can rival Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s exploits. A creative force in Liverpool’s lineup, he consistently delivers pinpoint crosses for his forwards and advanced midfielders, while his passing and set-piece delivery are exceptional.

Over the years, there have been questions about his defensive abilities, with the 26-year-old occasionally losing focus and allowing opponents to score. Now, under Arne Slot, Alexander-Arnold appears to be a complete, well-rounded player. The question is: how long will he be at Liverpool? Rumours of his eventual departure to Real Madrid continue to grow stronger by the day.

2William Saliba

Arsenal

William Saliba‘s transformation from young talent to one of the best defenders in the world has been incredibly impressive for a player who once seemed unlikely to get his shot at success with Arsenal. Now, though, the Frenchman is one of the first names on the teamsheet for both club and country.

A classy player who seems as comfortable on the ball as he does in aerial battles, Saliba is a player who still has the world at his feet and will no doubt continue to grow. He will just be hoping to create a legacy for himself that is similar to the man in the top spot.

1Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

No surprises for guessing this one. Last season, Virgil van Dijk returned with a vengeance, consistently demonstrating why he is considered one of the best in the game. His transformative impact on Liverpool since joining the club cannot be overstated, and his defensive prowess in the 2024/25 season has enabled the Reds to compete on multiple fronts.

Given his consistent performances over the years, the trophies he has won, and his current form as Arne Slot’s side sit atop both the Champions League and Premier League, the towering Dutchman is undoubtedly the best centre-back in the world right now – and that’s poised to remain the case given that he recently put pen to paper on a deal new at Anfield.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt – accurate as of 20/04/2025.