Find out about the top 20 best current Premier League (EPL) centre backs of 2025/2026.
Centre backs have continued to play pivotal roles in football teams over the years, with the evolution of the sport making it even more interesting.
The Premier League has continued to produce and house some of the best centre-backs, from the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, and Vincent Kompany to today's names like Virgil van Dijk, Ruben Dias, and Cristian Romero.
Ranking the best centre back in the Premier League (EPL) 2025/2026
Kevin Danso (Tottenham Hotspur)
Kevin Danso is fast becoming a household name at Tottenham Hotspur, even though he hasn't been recognised quite well at the league level. The Spurs man has effortlessly filled the void left following the injury of Cristian Romero.
Spurs missed the services that were provided by Cristian Romero even as Radu Dragusin, who was his replacement, could not step up to the level as expected. Kevin Danso, on the other hand, was seen as a last-minute effort to solidify the team with his loan move from RC Lens in the French league.
Although early assessments for Kevin Danso were not significant, he gradually stepped into the limelight with his consistent performance. One of which is his ability to carry the ball as well as his passing range.
Nathan Collins (Brentford FC)
Nathan Collins has been a long-standing player in the Brentford shirt and is currently serving as captain of the team. He joined the club in 2023 for around €27 million.
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa FC)
English star Ezri Konsa has grown into a composed and reliable player in the Aston Villa first team. Today, he ranks amongst the best English defenders currently. He is known for being a crucial player in the central defence and has been a key player for Aston Villa in the last couple of seasons.
Sven Botman (Newcastle United)
Sven Botman joined Newcastle United in 2020 from French side LOSC Lille for a transfer fee of €37.00m and has since remained an important piece in the team.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has benefited from the consistency provided by Sven Botman in the defence, one of the key elements that helped the club achieve Champions League qualification.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Murillo has stepped into the list of EPL's elite defenders today with his consistency. His key contributions led to the rating of Nottingham Forest as one of the teams with the most clean sheets.
The Brazilian has been at the heart of the defence at Forest and has increasingly become one of the most sought-after players in the English Premier League.
Murillo has been rated for his progressive ability as well as making a difference in the box.
Matthijs de Ligt (Manchester United)
Matthijs de Ligt has remained a loyal player at the heart of the United defence. The Dutch centre-back rose to prominence at Ajax, where he became captain of the team that advanced to the 2018–19 Champions League semi-finals.
The Dutchman made the move to Serie A giants Juventus before switching to Bayern Munich and later settling at Old Trafford.
Statistics between 2019 and 2020 showed his placement as one of the best defenders in the world while he played a key role in the Juventus title-winning season just after the success with Ajax.
Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Josko Gvardiol has been one of the great additions to the City's defence by Pep Guardiola. Croatian has been known for his skill set and ability to play as an offensive player.
He was a crucial goal scorer for City during the 2024/25 season when he successfully maintained his position at the back and provided some important goals.
Statistics reveal his position as one of the best left backs in world football.
Joachim Andersen (Crystal Palace)
Joachim Andersen's form has continued to improve from the days of Crystal Palace and now as Fulham's defensive stalwart. The English had stood solidly at the central defence of the Cottagers.
Fulham boss Marco Silva has relied on the services of Andersen in the club's quest for a favourable placement in the league as well as making a place in Europe.
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton FC)
Jarrad Branthwaite is one of the elite Everton players currently, known for his composure, aerial strength, and ball-playing ability. The English star joined the Toffees in 2020 and has spent some seasons on loan before settling in the first team.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
Cristian Romero is an elite player when it comes to ranking the best defenders in the English top flight. The South American was a key player for Juventus before Spurs snapped him up.
The Argentine centre-back has been a top-level player and remains a key addition to Tottenham Hotspur's first team. In the 2024/25 season, his contributions helped Spurs to lift the UEFA Europa League.
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Marc Guehi has been the standout player for Crystal Palace over the last couple of seasons. His position in the Eagle's squad has made him one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League. Last season's form was a key contribution that helped the Palace lift the FA Cup against Man City and the Community Shield last August.
John Stones (Manchester City)
John Stones has been a key cover in central defence for Manchester City. The English footballer has faced competition lately for his position but has always remained part of the first team.
Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Jan Paul van Hecke is one of the faces of Brighton's defence. The Dutch star has continued to achieve great results in the Premier League.
Despite growing up playing in the midfield, he is at ease on the ball and blends well in the central defence. He has been tipped for a future big money sale for the Albion.
Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur)
The Dutchman is regarded as one of the fastest rising stars in the English Premier League. He is loved not just for his defensive duties but also on the offensive, where his shot on goal remains spot on.
Micky van de Ven has been improving on his set pieces this season after coming off a shaky campaign last season. The 6'4" centre-back is all Spurs need to compete in the EPL this season thanks to his defensive and offensive abilities.
Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
The EPL remains a powerhouse, housing some of the best defenders, including Ruben Dias. The Portuguese centre back is known for his aggressive style of play and leadership quality.
The Man City man has been ranked as one of the best defenders in the world. His performance earned him the Premier League Player of the Season at the end of the 2020-21 season and the UEFA Champions League Best Defender at the same time.
Nikola Milenkovic (Nottingham Forest)
Nikola Milenkovic has been one of the quality defensive additions for Nottingham Forest. His presence has continued to shape the team's defence. The Serbian has already formed a successful partnership with Murillo.
Thanks to the brilliance of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo in defence, Forest has continued to target consistent appearances in European football.
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool FC)
Ibrahima Konate also makes the list. The Frenchman remains one of the backbones of Liverpool's defence, and this season is no exception.
Quotes from Anfield Watch reveal 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.
Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal FC)
Gabriel Magalhaes is a new generation defender and a backbone at the heart of Arsenal's defence.
Arsenal has been confirmed to have a solid defence in the last couple of seasons thanks to the partnership between William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Ben White.
Gabriel Magalhaes is an immovable player who has preserved a high level of consistency in the last few seasons.
William Saliba (Arsenal FC)
William Saliba is a defensive powerhouse due to his success in the Arsenal team over the last couple of seasons. Despite a series of loan stints, the Frenchman gained recognition in the team.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has continued to rely on the defensive brilliance ofGabriel Magalhaes and Ben White.
Saliba has already established himself as one of the best in Europe at the moment, and the stats speak for themselves.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC)
Virgil van Dijk has remained in top form over the years. The Dutchman is regarded as one of the best defenders in world football. He joined the Reds from Southampton after initially starring for Scottish Premiership side Celtic.
In case you don't know, here are some of the greatest centre-backs.
John Terry (Chelsea)
John Terry sits atop the most outstanding centre backs in the history of the Premier League. The English star won up to five Premier League titles and was also the captain of the team.
Terry was a leader and legend at Chelsea throughout his playing career.
Rio Ferdinand (West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United, QPR)
Rio Ferdinand is a household name and one of the greatest players in his position. He won over six Premier League titles with Manchester United and is known for his composure and technicality.
Nemanja Vidić (Manchester United)
Nemanja Vidić is the next name on the list today. He won over five Premier League titles and is known for his tough tackles and fearlessness.
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Vincent Kompany is one of the legends of the game. He won four Premier League titles with Manchester City during his playing career and was the heart of the team's rise to dominance.
Virgil van Dijk (Southampton, Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk is arguably one of the greatest defenders of all time. His presence commands respect in the Liverpool defence. The Dutchman is known for his pace and strength.