Who are the best defenders in Premier League history? These elegant ball playing, hard tackling commanders at the back are often the difference between winning and losing.
Best Defenders in Premier League History
These players have left a mark on the game and their legacy will be felt for years to come. Let’s take a look at the 10 best defenders in Premier League history.
10. Tony Adams
One of the best one club players of all time, Tony Adams spent all of his youth career and a 19-year senior career at Arsenal.
Adams was renowned for his loyalty and for being one of the most dominant centre-backs in Premier League history. He displayed exceptional timing with his tackles and was dominant in the air.
One of the best Arsenal players of all time, Adams featured in 669 games for Arsenal and is thought to have had 255 clean sheets – clean sheet records not tracked properly until 1992.
9. Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic may not have possessed the pace of a wing-back, but what he lacked for in speed he made up for with his dominance in the air, his awareness, strength and defensive consistency.
Vidic is one of the best defenders in Premier League history and was never afraid of putting his body on the line. A rock at the back for Manchester United, he was one of the team’s leaders and showed remarkable consistency across a nine-season period.
8. Sol Campbell
Sol Campbell was one of the best defenders in Premier League history. The former Tottenham and Arsenal superstar was a tough-tackling defender who was comfortable playing the ball out from the back and possessed great leadership.
Campbell was powerful, showed great athleticism and had good position awareness. He also showed great composure, consistency and was a colossus, proving to be a key member of the Arsenal’s Invincibles side.
7. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole was the definition of a complete modern full-back. One of the best Chelsea players of all time, Cole was lightning quick, and he rarely ever had to make desperate tackles as he read the game extremely well.
Both comfortable and dependable defensively, Cole was a brilliant dribbler and could get around opponents with ease. He would back it up with his ability to cross dangerous balls into the box and helped to revolutionise the modern day full-back role.
6. Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. He demonstrated almost unmatched leadership qualities. He captained and transformed Manchester City with four Premier League titles.
Defensively Kompany possessed a rare combination of strength, speed, and intelligence. He was a tough tackler who rarely gave away fouls, and his positional sense was close to flawless.
Kompany was also a threat up the pitch and could score goals when pushing forward.
5. Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce was a key member of Manchester United’s defence during their early Premier League success, helping the club to three Premier league titles.
A no-nonsense centre-back, Bruce always put his body on the line with his physical and aggressive approach, and he was also versatile enough to be pushed up into defensive midfield.
Bruce was consistent at the back and was especially good in the air. Not only did it make Bruce a strong defender, he was also a threat in attack and often scored goals.
4. Gary Neville
Gary Neville showed great consistency and longevity at the highest level of football and is considered to be one of the best right-backs and Premier League defenders of all-time.
A vital part of Manchester United’s success in the 1990s and early 2000s, he won 8 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups and a Champions League title.
Neville was known for his leadership, work-rate, aggressiveness, tenacity and his consistency. Tactically he was one of the best, and his ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and set pieces was exceptional.
3. Rio Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand joined Manchester United as a 23-year old in 2002 for £30m. When arriving from Leeds United he became the most expensive defender in the world, and the most expensive British footballer ever.
At his peak Ferdinand was one of the best defenders of his generation. He was an excellent tackler, an excellent passer of the ball and an inspirational leader, all which made him one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
2. John Terry
John Terry isn’t just the second best defender in Premier League history, he’s also one of the best Chelsea players of all time. Terry built a reputation for being one of the most commanding and fearless leaders in the league.
Terry was a fan favourite in his highly decorated 19 years at Stamford Bridge. He was almost always in the right place at the right time which led to critical interceptions, and was a threat up forward with his powerful header especially at set pieces.
1. Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk is the best defender in Premier League history. A commanding presence at the back, he’s been the catalyst for Liverpool’s transformation into one of the best teams in Europe.
Signing for £75m in early 2018, the 6-foot-5 (195 cm) centre-back is known for his ability in the air, his strength and leadership.
Arguably his greatest strength is his positioning and Van Dijk is rarely ever caught out of position. He’s able to anticipate danger with ease and makes interceptions before having to make tackles.
