Premier League 2024/25: Top 10 centre-backs
Centre-backs are just as crucial in football as the forwards leading the attack. They may not always receive the spotlight or the headlines, but without a solid last line of defence, teams may win matches, though winning trophies is a different story entirely.
As the game has evolved, so too has the role of the modern centre-back. These days, with teams preferring to build from the back, ball-playing centre-backs have become highly valued, and while that’s an important addition, the core defensive attributes — positioning, tackling, aerial dominance, and game awareness — still define the very best in the position.
The rankings below are based on the following criteria:
- Performances, potential, and consistency
- Player’s importance and relevance to his team
- Success relative to the team’s targets
Let’s take a look at the best centre-backs of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Note: All stats mentioned below have been taken from PremierLeague.com and FBref.com.
Top 10 centre-backs from the 2024/25 Premier League season
10. Marc Guéhi | Crystal Palace
The Crystal Palace captain was in fine form this season. A solid presence in the Eagles’ backline, the England international also led them to their first-ever trophy — the FA Cup.
Guéhi is a ball-playing defender with good positional awareness, tackling, and aerial ability. He is versatile enough to play anywhere in the centre-back positions, remains calm and composed under pressure, and is a good leader both on and off the pitch.
This season, Guéhi registered exceptional defensive numbers — 11 clean sheets, 42 goals conceded, 61 tackles with a 56% tackle success rate, 28 interceptions, 156 clearances, 93 headed clearances, 168 duels won, and 145 ball recoveries in 34 league appearances. Offensively, he contributed three goals and two assists, also creating five big chances.
Guéhi has been a model of consistency for Palace, delivering solid performances week in, week out. His composure, intelligence, and defensive discipline haven’t gone unnoticed, however, with several top clubs showing interest in him. Undoubtedly, he is one of the standout defenders in the Premier League.
9. James Tarkowski | Everton
James Tarkowski has been a towering and relentless presence in the Everton backline. The Toffees might not have ended in the top half of the league table this time round, but their defensive record remained pretty good for a team positioned that low; Tarkowski and keeper Jordan Pickford were a major reason for this.
Tarkowski is a physical, no-nonsense kind of traditional defender who is great aerially and exceptional at tackling and blocking shots. While he doesn’t possess pace or agility, he has a good reading of the game and is a solid defender who does the job for his team by thwarting opposition attempts.
This season, Tarkowski registered 64 tackles with a 64% success rate, 41 interceptions, 209 clearances, 135 headed clearances, 199 duels won, and 98 ball recoveries in 33 league appearances. He also had a goal and an assist to his name, with five big chances created.
For years, Tarkowski has been a rock at the heart of Everton’s defence, embodying the physical and resilient style that defines their approach. His presence brings stability and authority to the backline, and the team often look far less assured without him.
8. Levi Colwill | Chelsea
Chelsea had a successful season, securing Champions League qualification and winning the Europa Conference League. They also showed defensive solidity, with Levi Colwill being a constant presence in the Blues’ backline alongside multiple partners.
Colwill is a young centre-back who is good at defending as well as building play from the back. He’s a left-footed, technical player with great tackling and defensive attributes, and he also likes to make forward runs to help the attack — though composure is something he can work on.
This season, Colwill’s defensive stats were: 10 clean sheets, 41 goals conceded, 47 tackles with a 72% success rate, 33 interceptions, 116 clearances, 56 headed clearances, 156 duels won, and 121 ball recoveries in 35 league appearances. At the other end, he chipped in with two vital goals and an assist, also creating two big chances.
Colwill played a vital role in helping Chelsea secure Champions League qualification after a two-year absence. It’s never easy for a defender to maintain consistency with regularly rotating centre-back partners, as it disrupts rhythm and on-pitch understanding — and yet the 22-year-old held his own throughout the season, showing maturity beyond his years.
7. Dan Burn | Newcastle United
The Newcastle veteran was superb this season and helped his side secure CL qualification and win the League Cup, in which he scored in the final.
Burn has been a towering presence in the Newcastle backline. Aerially dominant, he can defend and score from set pieces, is calm and composed under pressure, and can play out from the back.
This season, the 33-year-old’s defensive stats read: 13 clean sheets, 45 goals conceded, 39 tackles with a 62% success rate, 27 interceptions, 194 clearances, 102 headed clearances, 200 duels won, and 103 ball recoveries in 37 league appearances. At the other end, he contributed with a goal and an assist along with two big chances created.
Burn has been a solid presence at the back for Newcastle in recent seasons. He featured in nearly every league game this season and delivered consistently strong performances, which have earned him the recognition of one of the league’s most reliable defenders.
6. Murillo | Nottingham Forest
The Brazilian defender performed exceptionally this season. Forming a formidable pairing with Nikola Milenkovic in the Forest defence, he made it tough for the opposition to score against the Tricky Trees.
Murillo is a sturdy and tough presence. A left-footed centre-back, he’s good at tackling, passing, and dribbling, while also possessing the ability to launch precise long balls for his forwards. While he isn’t as strong aerially, his ability to carry the ball forward and make progressive passes is an added bonus.
This season, Murillo registered superb defensive numbers: 11 clean sheets, 44 goals conceded, 53 tackles with a 68% success rate, 36 interceptions, 242 clearances, 108 headed clearances, 130 duels won, and 142 ball recoveries in 36 league appearances. He also contributed in attack with two goals and two big chances created.
Murillo played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s remarkable transformation from battling relegation last season to achieving European qualification this term. The talented Brazilian consistently impressed with his composure, ball-playing ability, and defensive awareness. His performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with several top Premier League clubs monitoring his situation at the City Ground. Given the current scarcity of quality left-footed centre-backs, Forest may face a tough challenge in keeping hold of the 22-year-old for much longer.
5. Dean Huijsen | Bournemouth
This young Spanish centre-back impressed one and all this season with his performances for the Cherries.
Huijsen is a perfect example of a modern-day centre-back. He is two-footed, strong in tackles and in the air, and reads the game well. He can build from the back and also create goalscoring chances for his teammates. Though he does struggle a bit in 1v1 situations, he will improve with experience.
This season, Huijsen impressed one and all with his defensive numbers: seven clean sheets, 31 goals conceded, 36 tackles with a 72% success rate, 51 interceptions, 194 clearances, 100 headed clearances, 116 duels won, and 105 ball recoveries in 32 PL games. In addition, he was an offensive threat, scoring three goals and providing two assists while creating three big chances.
At just 20 years old, Dean Huijsen has already caught the eye of Europe’s elite, thanks to his composure, maturity, and standout performances. Premier League giants such as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal were pursuing the talented defender — but LaLiga heavyweights Real Madrid managed to trump them all for his signature. That alone speaks volumes about the level of quality Huijsen displayed this season and how high his ceiling is.
4. William Saliba | Arsenal
William Saliba is already regarded widely as one of the best centre-backs in the world. He has been a vital part of the Arsenal backline for the past three seasons.
Saliba is another example of a modern-day centre-back who has both defensive and offensive skills in his armoury. The Frenchman is known for his tackling ability (especially in 1v1 situations), pace, and strength. He remains calm and composed under pressure, is comfortable moving the ball forward, and has an exceptional reading of the game.
The 24-year-old was a constant presence in the Gunners’ backline this season with the following defensive numbers: 12 clean sheets, 27 goals conceded, 62 tackles with a 60% success rate, 21 interceptions, 118 clearances, 69 headed clearances, 152 duels won, and 154 ball recoveries in 35 league appearances. He also contributed two goals and one big chance at the other end.
William Saliba has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence, playing a crucial role in their title challenges over the past three seasons. His proactive style, composure on the ball, and intelligent positioning have brought solidity to the backline, helping Arsenal secure once again a second-place finish in the league and Champions League qualification this season.
3. Ibrahima Konaté | Liverpool
The French defender probably had the best season of his Liverpool career so far, helping his team secure the Premier League title. Alongside captain Virgil van Dijk, Konaté formed an imperious partnership and made it extremely difficult for opposition attackers to score against the Reds.
The tall Frenchman is known for his aerial dominance, strength, and composure. A no-nonsense defender, he is great in tackles and aerial duels and utilises his strength to ward off opposition forwards. Though his ball-playing ability needs improvement, he is evidently working on it and provided some crucial assists this season.
This season, Konaté’s defensive numbers were: 11 clean sheets, 28 goals conceded, 40 tackles with a 65% success rate, 17 interceptions, 125 clearances, 63 headed clearances, 137 duels won, and 98 ball recoveries in 31 league appearances. He also contributed one goal, two assists, and two big chances at the other end.
Ibrahima Konaté played a pivotal role on the right side of Liverpool’s defence throughout the season. With the fullbacks often pushing high up the pitch, he was frequently tasked with covering the space behind them — a responsibility he handled with remarkable consistency and composure. His defensive awareness, athleticism, and ability to read the game were crucial in maintaining Liverpool’s balance at the back. Week after week, he delivered top-class performances, proving reliable and decisive. The 26-year-old’s contributions were instrumental in Liverpool’s title-winning season.
2. Nikola Milenkovic | Nottingham Forest
Serbian defender Nikola Milenkovic had a sensational debut season for Nottingham Forest, impressing with his defensive performances and proving a key contributor to his team’s clinching European football for next season.
Milenkovic is a strong defender with great 1v1 defending skills, aerial dominance, pace, and reading of the game. His positional awareness and strength help him thwart opposition attackers with ease, while he’s also a massive threat from set pieces.
This season, Milenkovic put up impressive numbers in the league: 13 clean sheets, 45 goals conceded, 51 tackles with a 51% success rate, 27 interceptions, 208 clearances, 102 headed clearances, 158 duels won, and 85 ball recoveries in 37 league appearances. In addition, he made massive contributions at the other end with five goals, two assists, and two big chances created.
Milenkovic was instrumental in transforming Forest into a defensive powerhouse, consistently frustrating opposing attackers. His physical presence also made a significant impact in the attacking third, nearly propelling the team to Champions League football — not bad for a debut season.
1. Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders not just in the Premier League but also the world. The Dutch centre-back has been one of the most complete defenders for a fair few years, having played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success. This season was no different, with the Reds captain leading his side to a 20th league title with composure and authority.
Van Dijk is a prime example of a complete modern-day centre-back. Characterised by strength, aerial dominance, strong tackling, and exceptional 1v1 defending, range of passing, and vision, even though his pace has slowed with age, he makes up for it with his excellent reading of the game. He is also a massive threat from set pieces.
This season, the veteran Netherlands international yet again proved his defensive brilliance: 14 clean sheets, 38 goals conceded, 38 tackles with a 58% success rate, 56 interceptions, 190 clearances, 113 headed clearances, 173 duels won, and 115 ball recoveries in 37 league appearances. In addition, he also scored three goals, provided two assists, and created two big chances.
Liverpool have managed to secure Van Dijk’s services for two more years — a move that reflects his enduring world-class stature. The 33-year-old remains a commanding figure at the heart of the Reds’ defence, delivering consistent performances. More than just a reliable defender, Van Dijk is a true leader on the pitch — one of the key reasons he continues to be regarded among the league’s very best.
