The English Premier League is undoubtedly amongst the toughest competitive leagues in European football.
The tournament has witnessed some of the best defenders throughout its history who have looked technically as well as strategically prudent while guarding the backline. These defenders have played a big part in deciding the outcome of a game.
In this piece, we have shortlisted ten best defenders in the history of the Premier League. We take a look at them in detail.
10. Kyle Walker
Teams: Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Manchester City
Walker is a mix of agility, athleticism, and power that can overpower any attack. Walker played a big role for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
The 35-year-old dominated the opposition’s forward line with his powerful tackles and interceptions. His ability to generate attacks from the centre as well as from the wings outsmarted the opposition.
9. Vincent Kompany
Team: Manchester City
Kompany helped Manchester City win four Premier League trophies as the centre back manned the back line with authority and a committed resolve. The Manchester City skipper’s presence showcased his prowess offensively as well as defensively.
His ability to keep the ball in possession showcased his exceptional technique. His combative tackles toppled any attack and had the knack of delivering passes to generate attacks. Although injuries affected his progress, Kompany was an influential figure in Manchester City’s success.
8. Sami Hyypiä
Team: Liverpool
Hyypiä was bought for a sum of 2.6 million pounds in 1999 from Dutch side Willem II. Hyypiä showcased his reliability in tough conditions with his solid technique.
He helped Liverpool win the FA Cup, UEFA Cup, and League Cup in 2001 and the Champions League in 2005. He and Jamie Carragher formed a solid partnership at the back.
7. Sol Campbell
Teams: Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Portsmouth, and Newcastle United
Campbell’s move to Arsenal from Tottenham Hotspur helped evolve his technique under Arsene Wenger.
Campbell helped the Gunners win the 2003/04 Premier League trophy, reach the 2006 Champions League final, and helped Portsmouth reach the FA Cup final in 2008. He excelled as a centre back with his clever and fast interceptions.
6. Gary Neville
Team: Manchester United
Neville didn’t possess a big physique, but his natural ability to get on the ball quickly and win possession made him one of the best right backs in Premier League and European football.
He could generate attacks from difficult positions with his long passes. He played 602 games for Manchester United.
5. Ricardo Carvalho
Team: Chelsea
Carvalho blossomed under Jose Mourinho after he moved to Stamford Bridge in 2004. He and John Terry were solid at the back for the Blues.
During Carvalho’s first season, Chelsea gave away just 15 goals, and the record is still intact. Altogether in Carvalho’s first six seasons, Chelsea gave away 143 goals in 228 games. The former Portuguese defender had the ability to keep the ball in possession.
4. John Terry
Team: Chelsea
The former England defender played for Chelsea for over two decades and played more than 500 games for the Blues. His longevity and consistency were his biggest strengths.
Terry will be remembered as the finest captain ever to lead Chelsea. Terry’s clever movements and ability to win the ball showcased his solidity at the back. He was a swift mover during one-on-one duels.
3. Virgil van Dijk
Teams: Southampton and Liverpool
Van Dijk was bought for a sum of 75 million pounds by the Reds in 2018 that was criticised by many in the football circuit. But the burly Dutch showcased his class, helping Liverpool win the 2018-19 Champions League trophy and also the Premier League trophy in the 2019-20 season.
His combative tackles laden with technique made it difficult for the best forward line to get past him. His offensive and defensive play was his biggest strength, while he excelled with his aerial skills.
2. Ashley Cole
Teams: Chelsea and Arsenal
Undoubtedly the best full backs in Premier League history, Cole played for the famous ‘Invincibles’ Arsenal team and later joined Chelsea, where he took his game to the next level.
Cole excelled on both sides of the pitch due to his ability to win possession quickly and generate attacks.
1. Rio Ferdinand
Teams: West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United, and Queens Park Rangers
Ferdinand arrived at the Premier League circuit as a 17-year-old with West Ham United. He was quick on the ball and was technically sharp with his ability to make quick clearance.
Ferdinand was included in the PFA team of the year 6 times. His reach allowed him to intercept any pass quickly.
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