The EPL has got some of the best legs in the world I must say, and this is evident in the performance of teams in the domestic and European football competitions.
On the list we've prepared this season , Liverpool's ever present Virgil van Dijk leads the way alongside Arsenal William Saliba and not to forget the emerging Tottenham Hotspur star Pedro Porro.
Ranking the best defenders in EPL 2024/2025
20. Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has played a game changing role at Manchester United just as he'd been since his arrival at old Trafford. As one who has watched English football for years, I would anyday include hm on my list. He player has been an integral part of the first team since his arrival at the club.
In the absence of Luke Shaw and Malacia, he's shown to be a key man in the defence for head coach Erik ten Haag even as Man United struggle to find their footing.
Dalot is very good at both feet and can start in left or right back for Man United. Although Man United has a squad rotation policy in place, the Portuguese defender looks set to solidify his position in the team. He has maintained a very high rating over the last two months with an average of 7.2
19. Fabian Schar
Fabian Schar is a class player who has been one of the pivotal of Newcastle United defence over the years. The Swiss footballer has been outstanding throughout his stay at the club and this season is no different.
Statistics show that the Swiss stat started a whopping 35 games for NUFC last season, making him one of the most consistent first team players in the EPL.
These and more earn him a place in the best defenders in the EPL this season. NUFC fans can attest that he has been an outstanding player.
Schar 32, since his retirement from international break has switched attention to his role in the Newcastle United defence.
18. Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool and french star Ibrahima Konate makes the list, and of course he deserves to make the cut.
From the Jürgen Klopp era to Arne Slot, the Frenchman remains one of the backbone of Liverpool defence and this season is no exception.
Quotes from Anfield Watch reveals that the Frenchman is often underrated by PL teams which gives him the opportunity to operate in any given space as per the head coach.
Konate has continued to produce an outstanding job for Liverpool, recently in the 3-0 win over AFC Bournemouth. Liverpool have remained strong in the early table toppers challenge.
17. John Stones
John Stones has continued to provide cover for the Manchester city backline since his arrival from Everton.
The English footballer remains a reliable player in Pep Guarudiola's team despite the competition for his position in the first team.
John Stone's recent iconic moment came as he snatched a late draw for Manchester city in the Premier League game against Arsenal at home.
Nevertheless, his future has been up for debate amid interest from top teams and the competition for his position in the first team. Guardiola has continued to perfect his strategies to fit every player in his team.
16. Marc Cucurella
Marc Cucurella continued with his Euro-winning mentality at Chelsea. The Spaniard has continued to gather the numbers this season under Enzo Maresca.
This season, he has been involved in almost every game for the Blues.
Chelsea have been struggling in the English Premier League over the last two seasons even as the club registered new players.
But gradually, the team is taking shape and key players like Marc Cucurella have been behind the teams surge towards recovery. Chelsea's stability would largely depend on the consistency of its top players including the Spaniard in the long run.
15. Destiny Udogie
Tottenham Hotspur defence has never been the same since the Italian defender picked a top form in the team.
The youngster has been impressive for Spurs. Off the pitch, Tottenham defence looks flawless all thanks to the performance of their defenders.
Primarily in the left back position, he was impactful last season, helping the team to finish strongly at the end of the season.
Udogie joined Tottenham Hotspur from Italian Serie A side Udinese and have since established himself as a key player for the club.
His absence was felt last season following the surgery. This season, he has continued with his impressive form, maintaining a balance with Pedro Porro who plays on the right side.
If you follow the EPL, you need to watch out for this guy, I must tell you.
14. Lewis Dunk
Lewis Dunk is not just the captain of Brighton for the sake of experience, but due to his impact on the team.
The 32-year old English footballer plays as a left centre back for Brighton and has been impressive over the last couple of seasons. His performance for the Seagulls earned him a place in the Three Lions squad.
Dunk is an experienced defender who has shown qualities over the past few years and deserves to make it into the top list of EPL best defenders today.
This season, he has continued to gather the numbers and he is expected to be part of the team's long lengthy season ahead.
13. Andrew Robertson
Andrew Robertson is a household name in the EPL. The Scottish footballer has been Liverpool's finest in the defence, forming a strong partnership at the back with the likes of Virgil van Dijk.
Andrew Robertson over the years has won the left back position and still remains number one of head coach Arne Slot. Apart from his consistency, he brings consistency to the team, which has been helping.
With only a few games into the new season, Liverpool FC are already keeping tabs with Manchester city and Arsenal in the top four positions.
So far, Liverpool looks solid in all angles including defensively where Andrew forms a solid backline with van Dijk, Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
You guys who follow Liverpool know that it would be difficult to find a perfect replacement for him at the moment.
12. Kyle Walker
Kyle walker is one of the most experienced Premier League defenders right now. The England international leads Manchester City backline.
Walker is a player who knows how to make runs at opposing players at the right time and moment. This season, he continues to gather the numbers for Manchester city.
He performance over the years has earned him in England's best list. He has been ranked as one of the best ever right back in English football.
He is expected to be part of Pep Guarudiola's team in the lengthy season ahead.
11. Pedro Porro
Tottenham Hotspur has some of the best defenders in the world, one of such is Spanish intentional Pedro Porro.
Porro is gradually gaining top form and has enjoyed a great fun of form from the concluded European Football Championship to the new EPL season.
Over the years, Spurs appeared to have lacked consistent defenders especially since the departure of the likes of Walker.
Pedro Porro joined Spurs in the summer of last season and has already established himself as a key player in the team. He joined Spurs initially on loan from Sporting CP before signing a permanent contract at the club.
10. Cristian Romero Gabriel
Spurs star Cristian Romero is gradually becoming a go to player when it comes to ranking the best defenders in the EPL.
The Argentine star was making headlines with Juventus caught the eye of Spurs who spent a significant amount to secure his services.
He has proven to be a top level player and is approaching his prime. He has been a good addition to Tottenham Hotspur's first team.
Last season, Romero was outstanding, helping Spurs secure a place in European football. Tottenham Hotspur has a lot to play and Romero is expected to be a key part of the process.
9. Nathan Ake
Nathan Ake has transformed into one of the best defenders in the English Premier League in the last few seasons. The former Chelsea player moved to the Etihad stadium following an impressive performance at AFC Bournemouth
Ake's stats at Manchester city says it all. The Dutchman brings the vibe to the game and it is difficult to ignore.
I have watched Manchester city in the last few seasons and have seen his impact in the team, thanks to Pep Guarudiola. The Spanish tactician have successfully managed his team and incorporated new names while keeping his best.
8. Ben White
Is Benjamin White still the ideal number four for arsenal? Well you can see it for yourself because the stats do not lie.
Arsenal have enjoyed a fine run in all competitions thanks to the brilliance of this guy, who holds a stronghold in the middle of the park.
But how is he doing it? Well Arsenal fans, it is up to you to decide.
Benjamin White is a right footed defender who shown to be capable of holding the back four and operating at the base of the midfield.
He is more of an aggressive player who is effective at preventing passes within his area. At times, he plays a little bit forward. In summary, Ben White is a versatile player who remains one of the backbone of Arsenal defense.
7. William Saliba
Another defensive powerhouse on the list is William Saliba. You all cannot deny the role of Saliba in the success of Arsenal in the last few seasons.
After a series of loan stints, he gained recognition in his time at French club Marseille and went on time to solidify his position in the team.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta continues to rely on the defensive brilliance of Saliba to execute his defensive plans alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
I have watched Saliba and I can tell you he is arguably one of the best you can find out there. At 23, Saliba has already established himself as one of the best in Europe at the moment and the stats speak for themselves.
6. Manuel Akanji
Experience, consistency and improvement, all these are the unique traits of the Swiss footballer. After impressive years at Basel and Borussia Dortmund, he made a surprise switch to Manchester city.
Pep Guarudiola's ambitions for a stronger team with a quality bench has been behind the careful search for players.
And this have payed up already. You can attest that Manuel Akanji is among the best defenders in the Premier League right now.
5. Van Dijk
Could he become one EPL's greatest DF? Well time will tell.
Virgil van Dijk need no introduction when it comes to the list of the best DF's in the EPL.
Van Dijk is regarded as one of the best defenders in world football and he has maintained this status in the last couple of years.
He has so far made a name for himself not just at the heart of Liverpool defense, but playing at the international football level. He joined the Reds from Southampton after initially starring for Scottish Premiership side Celtic.
4. Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes is a new generation defender, a backbone sitting at the heart of Arsenal's defense.
The Gunners have enjoyed a solid defense in the last couple of seasons thanks to the cooperation between William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Zinchenko and Benjamin White.
At the heart of Arsenal's defense, Gabriel Magalhaes remains an immovable player who has preserved a high level of consistency in the last few seasons.
3. Josko Gvardiol
Oh yes, a great addition to City's defense. The interesting thing about josko Gvardiol is his ability to play as an offensive player.
Some of Man City goals last season was from the Croatian who has constantly maintained his position at the back and provides goals when the opportunity is presented.
Josko Gvardiol joined the citizens from RB Leipzig for whopping sum and have since justified the club's decision to splash the cash for his services.
Statistics shows he is one of the best left backs in world football. This season, he has continued to gather the numbers for the citizens. If you want to see money well spent, then Gvardiol should be your go to source.
2. Trent Alexander-Arnold
A stack of talent, brilliance and quality all in one. I present to you Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While Jürgen Klopp experimented playing him in the midfield did work, he score grew even more stronger in the defence.
Alexander-Arnold is one of the best defenders in the EPL right now. His versatility makes him standout. Over the last couple of years, the English footballer has maintained a high level of consistency.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right back in world football currently.
1. Ruben Dias
The Premier League is Europe's powerhouse, housing some of the best talents. One of these is Man City star man Ruben Dias. He plays as a centre back and is known for his aggressive style of play and leadership quality.
City boss Pep Guarudiola has relied heavily on his services over the last couple of seasons.
He is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world. In the EPL, it would be fair to name him as one of the best legs in his position.
Rodri was named Premier League Player of the season at the end of the 2020-21 season and UEFA Champions League best defender at the same time.
Ranking Factors
What is the criteria used to rank the best defenders in the Premier League this season?
In a bid to give you a detailed and interesting list, we went through a rigorous process and secured accurate data from reliable sources like Sofascore.
- Sofascore Player Rating
We ranked players based on Sofascore Player Ratings for the last three months for the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
- Update Frequency
This list will be updated every month for better accuracy and reliability.