It becomes a fact that the world of football is blessed with great players such as the best defenders in English Premier League (EPL), the best strikers, the best mid-fielders, amidst many others across the global football competitions. Just as the name implies, it is always a big fight for greatness on the pitch.
One of these big hustles is identifying who is the best of this or who is best in that. The question further relies on how greatly each player displayed their skills in any of the most watched competitions like the English Premier League, La Liga, etc. across the world.
In the midst of it all, our interest is simply in the EPL. The Premier League is the highest level of the English football league system. Contested by 20 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the English Football League.
Seasons typically run from August to May with each team playing 38 matches against all other teams both home and away.
The competition was founded as the FA Premier League on 20 February 1992 following the decision of First Division (top-tier league from 1888 until 1992) clubs to break away from the English Football League. The Premier League is the most-watched sports league in the world, broadcast in 212 territories to 643 million homes and a potential TV audience of 4.7 billion people.
As of 2023, the Premier League is ranked first in the UEFA coefficient rankings based on performances in European competitions over the past five seasons. It is currently far ahead of the Spanish La Liga.
Combined with the old First Division, the English top-flight has produced the second-highest number of European Cup / UEFA Champions League titles, with a record six English clubs having won fifteen European championships in total.
Best Defenders in English Premier League
Below is the list of those who has, by help of their hard work and commitment to the pruning of their talents on the field of play, proven beyond the shadow of the doubt to be the best defenders in English Premier League:
Kieran Trippier 8.0
Kieran Trippier, being first on this list of best defenders in English premier league, has been a game-changer since he arrived at St James’s Park in the 2021/22 campaign. He is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. The former Atlético Madrid guardian has been flawless at the back and kept Eddie Howe’s team running.
His performance last season helped the club to be ranked among the top two Premier League teams with fewer goals conceded. Trippier is a household name in the English Premier League, as he’s played for Tottenham Hotspur.
Thiago Silva 7.82
Thiago Silva is one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League. The Brazilian has been in the heart of defense since he arrived at the club.
Silva is regarded by his contemporaries and detractors alike as a complete defender. He has been praised for being a reliable, faultless defender who can captain any defence. Despite being 38 years old, he has continued to be one of Chelsea‘s finest defenders this season.
He makes everything seem effortless because of his exceptional ball-handling skills. In one-on-one situations, he has proven an unstoppable defender.
Kenny Tete 7.71
One of the biggest surprises in the EPL has been Kenny Tete. The most dependable defender for Fulham has been the Dutchman. Tete, a right-back player, has excelled. He has prevailed in fights, fouls, and crosses.
The Athletic claims that Kenny Tete is among the top competitors in one-on-one contests. He has had success containing the dribbles of the opposition. He has also demonstrated superior skill in ground combat.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.27
Liverpool FC full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the most reliable Premier League defenders. Although the Englishman has witnessed rocky times in the division, he’s been able to live up to expectations. Trent Alexander-Arnold was one of the leading players at Liverpool last season and was voted to the PFA Team of the Year in 2021–22.
Liverpool’s entire squad has been struggling this season, and Trent Alexander-Arnold is no exception. He’s struggled this season. But that said, he remains one of the best in the Premier League.
Ashely Young 7.55
Although primarily a winger, Young was utilized in a number of forward positions, including under Boothroyd at Watford and once under Van Gaal at Manchester United, in addition to playing in a free role beyond the striker at Aston Villa.
He has improved as a fullback since joining Aston Villa under Unai Emery, and he is one of the defenders that are challenging to defeat in 1v1 situations.
James Tarkowski 7.36
Everton star James Tarkowski is one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. The Englishman established a strong resistance in the defence of the Toffees amid their stuttering form. Statistics show the 22-year-old has enjoyed a good run of form.
His specialty is making good blocks and ball clearances. He can also stand up to pressure from the opposition, especially in the game against Chelsea, where his performance earned Everton a valuable point at Stamford bridge.
As Everton is expected to put in a good fight to preserve their top-flight status next season, James Tarkowski’s brilliance in the defence would be crucial for manager Sean Dyche.
Fabian Schär 7.44
Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, and Kieran Trippier have established a solid defensive wall at St James’s Park. The trio has single-handedly kept the magpies in some of the most crucial games this season.
Schar has been exceptional this season and has established a formidable partnership alongside Sven Botman. The 31-year-old central defender had a good showing last season as Newcastle United emerged in the top two teams with fewer goals conceded last season.
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Reece James 7.78
This season, James has missed more matches than he has participated in. That has proved an issue for Chelsea, who have had trouble absent him and only won six times in 24 games.
However, the fact that he still ranks among the defenders who have been least successful at dribbling past opponents this season shows how great he has been in those fewer games.
Luke Shaw 7.12
Man United is one of the household names in English football. He is one of the most influential players at Old Trafford. The England international struggled to get more minutes in the early stages of Erik ten Haag’s appointment as United boss. However, he is now a key player in the squad and played a significant role in the Carabao Cup triumph.
According to statistics, Shaw has played over thirty games this season under Erik ten Haag with high ratings. He would be crucial as United push for a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.
Lisandro Martínez 7.47
Lisandro Martinez has been in good form since he arrived at Old Trafford. This season, he has been key to Manchester United’s revival and the team’s triumph in the Carabao Cup.
Ben Mee 7.54
Ben Mee is one backbone of Thomas Frank’s Brentford side. The 30-year-old has been outstanding despite doubts about the club’s decision to sign him following his departure from relegated Burnley. Since his debut against Leicester City in August, he has been consistent in the first team and currently ranks as the third player with the most appearances at the club. According to statistics, he has been successful in aerial duels, interceptions, and passes and covered more possessions.
Antonee Robinson 7.95
Robinson has played a total of 2189 minutes in 25 Premier League games this season. Every 90 minutes that Antonee Robinson is on the pitch, he gives up an average of 1.07 goals. At the moment, their Clean Sheets ratio is 32%.
As a result, every 85 minutes while Robinson is present on the pitch, his side gives up a goal. In addition, he has made 1.66 clearances and 1.42 recoveries.
Virgil van Dijk 7.30
Virgil van Dijk is considered one of the best center backs in the Premier League. The 31-year-old Dutch international joined the Reds in 2018 for £55 million. Since he arrived at the club, he has justified big money spent as he has established a strong presence in the defense coupled with his outstanding leadership qualities.
His performance was recognized after being voted into the 2022 FIFA FIFPro World XI. Although van Dijk has witnessed ups and downs as Liverpool’s team has struggled, he has continued to make up the numbers for the Reds.
