Statistics have shown having a rock-solid defence is key to making headway in the Premier League. This has been a proven factor as top teams like Manchester City invested heavily at the back to dominate in the last couple of years.

That said, the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, and thus, every team has had a course to worry about the strength of their defence due to the high level of goals scored per game.

But who is the best in this position? Last season, Newcastle topped the charts as the team with fewer goals conceded. This was after the arrival of Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn, and Sven Botman.

Interesting Football brings you the best defender in the Premier League right now

1. Kieran Trippier (7.72)

 

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Kieran Trippier 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.

2. Thiago Silva (7.31)

Thiago Silva is one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League. The Brazilian has been in the heart of defence since he arrived at the club.

Read: Top 10 Best right backs in the Premier League

This season has been an integral part of Graham Potter’s team and has been outstanding for the team. Apart from his role in Chelsea’s backline, his leadership qualities have been excellent.

However, injuries have prevented him from playing regularly for the Blues. But he has been a game changer whenever selected to start a game.

3. 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.

Read: Top 20 best defenders in the world

4. James Tarkowski (7.19)

Sean Dyche ➡️ Dwight McNeil ➡️ James Tarkowski…

Nice one! 💙 @BurnleyOfficial pic.twitter.com/Kv3A72cVjZ

— TheMightyBlues (@MightyBluesYT) February 4, 2023

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.

5. Fabian Schär (7.18)

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.

6. Kenny Tete (7.13)

Kenny Tete is one of the greatest revelations in the EPL. The Dutchman has been Fulham’s most reliable player in the defence.

Tete, who plays as a right-back, has been superb. He has been successful at duels, fouls, and crosses.

Read: Top 10 Best wingers in the Premier League

According to the Athletic, Kenny Tete is one of the best players when it comes to one-on-one duels. He has been successful at stopping opposition dribblers. He has also shown to be excellent in ground duels.

7. 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.

8. Ben Mee (7.10)

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.

9. Virgil van Dijk (7.10)

Virgil van Dijk is considered one of the best centre 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 defence 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.

10. Lisandro Martínez (7.07)

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.

Nicknamed “The Butcher,” He is known for his brutal tackles, awareness, distribution, and positioning and has shown to be successful in one-on-one situations.

Read: Top 10 Best midfielders in the Premier League

Martinez has been a surprise star at Manchester United, although he came with many expectations due to his exploits at Ajax. The Argentine has brought good vibes to the Man United defence.

One of the highest points of his career was the World Cup triumph at the tournament in Qatar in 2022.