20 Greatest Centre-Backs in Premier League History Ranked

5Vincent Kompany

Premier League clubs: Manchester City

Despite having a fair few injuries towards the back end of his time at Manchester City, Vincent Kompany will still go down as one of the greatest centre-backs the league has ever seen. When he was available, he was a colossus at the back for City. In his 11 years at the club, he took the team from mid-table mediocrity to the dominant force in English football, with his leadership qualities shining through.

Who could forget his iconic moment for City against Leciester in 2019 in what was his final home game for the club? The Belgian centre-back picked the ball up and drove to the edge of the Leicester City box with the game in the balance at 0-0. He then smashed the ball into the top corner of the net to secure all three points in a vital encounter. Unquestionably, one of the best foreign players to ever play in the Premier League.

4Tony Adams

Premier League clubs: Arsenal

George Graham called him “my colossus,” while Arsene Wenger described him as a “professor of defence.” Tony Adams was the ultimate one-club man, which is a rare sight in modern-day football. His reading of the game and his ability in the air made him difficult to play against, and he will go down as one of the best defenders this country has ever seen. Known as ‘Mr Arsenal’, the Englishman is an emblematic figure for the Gunners.

His robust style of defending, coupled with his exceptional reading of the game, set him apart. His inspirational leadership helped the north London outfit secure numerous honours, including four top-flight league titles. His never-say-die spirit epitomised the fighting spirit of Arsenal back in the day.

3Virgil van Dijk

Premier League clubs: Southampton, Liverpool

Pundits are starting to run out of superlatives for the Dutchman. While some may disagree with him being so high up on the list, above the likes of Adams and Kompany, Virgil van Dijk has arguably been the best centre-back on the planet since his move to Liverpool. His imposing physical presence, coupled with his calmness on the ball and ability to read the game, has seen him revolutionise Liverpool’s defence.

His leadership qualities, aerial prowess, and distribution are key elements of his game. Van Dijk was instrumental to Liverpool’s Premier League and Champions League successes. While his longevity can slightly be questioned, his ability and success with the club are the reasons why he features so high up on the list.

2Rio Ferdinand

Premier League clubs: West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United, QPR

His composure on the ball, excellent passing range, and elegant style of play made him one of the best defenders in the history of the Premier League. An exceptional player with the ball at his feet, the Manchester United legend was at the heart of everything good during his 12 years at the club.

Ferdinand’s partnership with Vidic will go down as one of the best duos in Premier League history. Together, they formed the bedrock of United’s defence, helping the club win numerous titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, including five league titles. His leadership skills cannot be questioned and he was always consistent whenever he was called upon.

1John Terry

Premier League clubs: Chelsea

John Terry spent 19 years at Chelsea and was the backbone of their defence for the majority of his career. Never mind the best centre-back in Premier League history, there’s an argument that Terry is one of the greatest defenders of all time. His exceptional understanding of the game, tenacity and physical strength made him the most feared central defender during the peak of his powers.

Chelsea’s most successful skipper led his beloved Blues to numerous trophies, including five Premier League titles. His consistency and performances cement his place as the league’s greatest centre-back ever. Not only was Terry unbelievable in his own penalty area, but he was also a threat in the opposing box as he netted an impressive 41 goals during his time at the club. His proudest achievement for the club came in 2012 when he played a starring role in their triumphant Champions League campaign.