Top 10 best center backs in the Premier League: The best stoppers

The Premier League has always been known as one of the toughest tournaments, where the best players in the world shine. In which, the center-back position plays an extremely important role, not only in preventing dangerous attacks but also in reorganizing the game for the whole team. So, what are the best center backs in the premier league? In this article, Kingsoccertips.com will help you learn and evaluate the outstanding center-backs in this tournament.

Top 10 best center backs in the Premier League

10. Sven Botman (Newcastle)

Although he has only been with Newcastle for one season, Sven Botman has proven his importance in strengthening the Magpies’ defense. Coach Eddie Howe once affirmed that Botman’s stability and solidity have contributed greatly to the team’s success, especially helping Newcastle qualify for the Champions League for the first time after more than 20 years of waiting. His contributions not only help strengthen the defense, but also create a solid foundation for the team’s development in the following seasons.

The stability and potential of this 23-year-old Dutch midfielder is the basis for Newcastle to decide to spend 35 million pounds to recruit him from Lille last summer. After two seasons playing in Ligue 1, Botman has proven his ability and clearly shown why the Magpies put their trust in him. This is an important stepping stone for Botman to continue to improve himself and devote himself to Newcastle in the upcoming seasons.

9. Raphael Varane (MU)

In his third season playing for Manchester United, 30-year-old French midfielder Raphael Varane will certainly have more opportunities to play, especially when he has decided to retire from international football with the French team to focus entirely on serving the team at Old Trafford. Not having to participate in international campaigns will help Varane maintain his fitness and form, thereby becoming a solid stopper in the Red Devils’ defense.

Varane’s class and his understanding with Lisandro Martinez is something that coach Erik ten Hag and Manchester United fans hope will continue to be demonstrated next season. Varane’s excellent performances in the 2022/23 season have proven his importance as a leader in the defense. With his physical condition at its best, fans will expect Varane to continue to show top form, as he has shown for Real Madrid and the French national team in recent years.

8. Lisandro Martinez (MU)

Despite concerns about Lisandro Martinez’s modest height when he signed for Manchester United, the Argentine centre-back proved himself to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League last season. Despite being only 1.75m tall, a rather short height for a centre-back, Martinez has developed an outstanding footballing mindset to compensate for this limitation. He excels in reading the game, grasping the movements and situations of his opponents, thereby dominating one-on-one duels.

Martinez’s playing style is also an important factor that helps him assert his position. With a warrior spirit, fiery playing style and not afraid of collision, Martinez has made a strong impression in the Manchester United shirt. These qualities help him not only win duels but also be a reliable stopper, contributing to building a solid defense for the Red Devils. It is these factors that have helped Martinez become one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League last season.

7. Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

The future of Liverpool’s defence is Ibrahima Konate, a player who possesses all the qualities to become a top centre-back at Anfield. Although he is sometimes hasty in situations, Konate still possesses outstanding qualities, from the ability to compete for good aerial balls to agility in interceptions. He also shows outstanding strength in one-on-one situations, and is capable of making very dangerous passes, creating opportunities for his teammates to attack.

With his intelligence in playing style, vision and sharp tactical thinking, Konate has the potential to develop even more strongly in the future. France coach Didier Deschamps also highly appreciates his student’s ability: “Ibrahima is only 24 years old and will certainly improve even more next season.” These compliments not only affirm Konate’s great potential but also show that he is a bright star in the future of Liverpool.

6. Gabriel (Arsenal)

Although not as highly rated as other center-backs at Arsenal, Gabriel had an extremely impressive 2022/23 season, performing excellently in both defense and attack. The Brazilian player not only fulfilled his task of protecting the goal but also contributed to important attacks, making coach Mikel Arteta believe that this is a solid premise for Gabriel to continue to prove himself as one of the top center-backs in the Premier League this season.

With 38 appearances in the Premier League last season, Gabriel proved his stability and ability to play with perseverance. In addition to appearing in every match of Arsenal in the domestic league, he also scored 3 goals, an impressive achievement for a center-back. These contributions not only help Arteta’s team maintain a solid defense but also confirm Gabriel’s importance to Arsenal.

5. Ruben Dias (Man City)

Dias is not only a giant physical center-back but also an icon in the hearts of Manchester City fans. At 1.86m tall, the Portuguese center-back may lack a bit of sharp passing, but he makes up for that with excellent defensive skills, always knowing how to keep the defense solid.

In his first season playing in the Premier League 2020/21, Dias was voted the Best Player, proving his great influence on the team. Last season, he continued to be an indispensable pillar in Pep Guardiola’s tactics, contributing significantly to Manchester City’s legendary treble, including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles. Dias’ impressive performances are testament to his talent and his vital contribution to Man City’s success.

4. William Saliba (Arsenal)

Regarded as the Kylian Mbappe of centre-backs during his time in France, William Saliba has proven himself to be a standout talent. After an impressive loan spell at Marseille in 2021/22, Saliba returned to Arsenal and became a key part of Mikel Arteta’s squad, helping Arsenal finish runners-up in the Premier League last season. Saliba’s rapid rise has confirmed his talent and influence in the Premier League.

Saliba continued his impressive form recently when he shut down Erling Haaland in the Community Shield against Man City. His composure and ability to control the situation in confrontations with Haaland are clear evidence of why Saliba is currently one of the most sought-after centre-backs in the game. His excellent defensive abilities and confidence on the pitch make Saliba one of the top centre-backs in the league.

3. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Despite Liverpool’s less than successful 2022/23 season, Virgil van Dijk is still one of the best centre-backs and continues to play an important role in Jurgen Klopp’s squad this season. Despite the team’s difficulties, Van Dijk’s stability, class and experience are still key factors in helping Liverpool’s defense maintain its solidity.

With a great influence in the playing style and excellent leadership ability, the Dutch centre-back is still the person that The Kop really needs to regain form and return to the race for the Top 4 of the Premier League 2023/24. Van Dijk’s presence not only brings peace of mind to the defense but is also an important source of encouragement for the whole team, helping Liverpool confidently face the big challenges this season.

2. John Stones (Manc City)

John Stones was once ridiculed as a “bad deal” by Manchester City when he was bought from Everton for £50 million in 2016. However, after many years of playing and constantly improving himself, Stones has proven himself to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He was an indispensable part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, contributing greatly to Man City’s historic treble, including the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.

With the ability to play at centre-back, right-back and even in midfield, Stones has affirmed his importance in both defense and attack. His composure, ability to develop the ball and solid defense have made him one of the most promising stars in the new Premier League season. With his consistent form and tactical flexibility, Stones will certainly continue to be an important factor in helping Man City maintain their dominance in the tournament.

1. Josko Gvardiol (Man City)

Gvardiol, the world’s second most expensive centre-back at £78m, has proven his class at the 2022 World Cup as well as in two seasons in the Bundesliga. His talent and solidity in defence have made him one of the top centre-backs that Man City hope will help strengthen their defence. With this transfer, Pep Guardiola has revolutionised the Premier League champions’ defence, and Gvardiol is seen as a key player in the team’s long-term plans.

Hopefully the 21-year-old will quickly adapt to his new environment and new teammates at the Etihad, to shine and prove his worth worthy of the huge amount that Man City paid Leipzig to bring him here. With his excellent defensive ability and unlimited development potential, Gvardiol could be an important pillar to help Man City maintain their dominance in the Premier League and European arenas in the future.

Conclusion

With great contributions in both defense and organization, the best center backs in the premier league always affirm their important role in each team. They are not only the ones who protect the goal but also the pillars in maintaining the stability and overall tactics of the whole team. Their ability to read the game, their resilience and their leadership have helped the team stand firm in tough matches. Therefore, these center backs deserve to be recognized as the top stars in this harsh tournament.

See more: Top 10 best defensive midfielders in the Premier League​: Who is top 1?