The Premier League has seen some of the best players compete over the years. And as the saying goes, a good attack can win you games – but a good defence wins you titles. In this article, we will be taking a look at the best centre-backs in the English top flight over the years.
The 5 best Premier League centre-backs of all-time
5. Vincent Kompany
The former Manchester City captain was one of the main reasons behind their success since 2012. He spent more than a decade with the club, and won four Premier League titles with them. He made 338 appearances for the Sky Blues, and will go down as one of their greatest players of all-time.
4. Sol Campbell
Having come through the ranks at Spurs, Sol Campbell won the 1999 League Cup with them before joining Arsenal. With the Gunners, he was a part of the Invincibles, and also won a domestic double in his debut season. He made 211 appearances for the club, and was a constant threat for attackers because of his dominating presence.
3. Nemanja Vidic
Vidic is the only defender to have won the Premier League player of the season award twice. He won five league titles and the Champions League with Manchester United, and was one of the fiercest defenders ever seen in the English top flight.
2. Rio Ferdinand
The partnership between Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand was vital to Sir Alex Ferguson’s success with Manchester United. While Vidic was the fiercer of the two, Ferdinand showed incredible composure and was always one step ahead of attackers in the game. He won six Premier League titles with United, and captained the team to their 2008 Champions League win.
1. John Terry
John Terry might not have been blessed with the speed of a modern centre-back. But, his presence of mind, ability on the ball, and unparalleled leadership made him a Chelsea legend. He only ever represented the West London side, and helped the team concede a record low of 15 goals in a season when they won the Premier League. No defender has had more clean sheets, and no defender has scored more goals than Terry in the division.
