Cast your vote for the best central defender in the Premier League.
Here are our picks for the best ten centre-backs in the English top tier, on the final page you will find our poll, vote for your favourite as we look to put together a ‘Premier League Best XI’
Ashley Williams (Swansea City)
A player who has adapted brilliantly to Premier League football after a career spent mainly in the lower leagues, Ashley Williams can now truly be regarded as up there with the best in the country at the moment after his strong performances for Swansea City. A great defensive player and leader at the back for the club, the Welsh international has played a big part in establishing the Swans as a top-half side, and he attracted serious interest from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool during the summer, though he eventually stayed put at the Liberty Stadium. Still, if Williams carries on like this he could be on the move to a bigger club before long.
Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal)
A player who has really grown into a key player at Arsenal is French centre-back Laurent Koscielny. The 28-year-old first arrived at the Emirates Stadium as a relative unknown in 2010, having spent much of his career playing in the lower leagues of French football, though he has shown exceptional intelligence and reading of the game with some big-game performances for the Gunners. The likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona have been linked with him in recent times, and it’s no surprise as Koscielny has proven to be yet another great find by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.
Michael Dawson (Tottenham)
A vastly under-rated player, Tottenham captain Michael Dawson has been one of the most solid, reliable and consistent central defenders in the Premier League for much of the last decade, though he has never truly been seen as a big name and continues to be overlooked for a place in the England national side. Even Spurs manager Andre Villas-Boas was reportedly ready to let Dawson join Queens Park Rangers last summer, before eventually keeping the 29-year-old and allowing him to work his way back into the team. There’s no doubt the commanding centre half is now a key player for the north London outfit, and a great leader for the side as well.
John Terry (Chelsea)
A controversial player who is sadly almost as well known for his questionable character as he is for being a top player, Chelsea’s John Terry is still deserving of a place among the best centre-backs in the Premier League as he continues to be an influential player for the Blues even as he approaches his 33rd birthday. Terry is certainly one of the best defenders this country has seen in recent times and his superb displays have helped the club to one of the most successful periods in their history. Although he was linked with a move away this summer, Jose Mourinho seems to have got the best out of him again and he doesn’t seem to have lost his knack of scoring important goals for the side either.
Gary Cahill (Chelsea)
Another Chelsea defender, Gary Cahill deserves his place among the best centre-backs in the Premier League for his great ability to quietly go about his business. Unlike his more flamboyant team-mate David Luiz, Cahill is a proper old-fashioned centre-half who, despite a decent goal-scoring record for club and country, does not disregard his defensive duties. Cahill first rose to prominence at Bolton Wanderers after failing to make the grade at Aston Villa, and looks worth every penny for Chelsea after they signed him for £7m in 2012. A great long-term replacement for John Terry, Cahill can go on to enjoy every much as success as his central defensive partner.
Dejan Lovren (Southampton)
Although a new boy to the Premier League, Dejan Lovren has had a fantastic start to life at Southampton, and his early-season form has earned him a place among the best centre-backs in the Premier League. One of several high-profile transfers by the Saints during the summer, Lovren has been immense at the heart of their back four, helping Mauricio Pochettino’s side to the best defensive record in the country so far, with just three goals conceded in their opening nine games. Lovren has also scored crucial goals, first a winner against Liverpool at Anfield, and then a dramatic late equaliser against the champions Manchester United at Old Trafford. Still only 24, the Croatian looks to have a great future in the game, and could be on the radar of some top clubs soon enough if he continues his fine form.
Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
After a slow start to life in English football, Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has now really established himself as a top class centre-back in the Premier League, and has become a vitally important player for the Gunners. Alongside Laurent Koscielny this season, the German international has been part of a fine defensive partnership, and makes up for his lack of pace with his intelligence and reading of the game, as well of course as great strength and height to make him a force to be reckoned with in the air. A vastly experienced player with over 90 caps for his country, Mertesacker looks like a great signing made by Arsene Wenger in a team often known to be filled with inexperienced youngsters.
Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
A great all-round defender, Daniel Agger has been a tremendous servant to Liverpool since signing for the club back in 2006. With over 200 appearances for the Reds now, the 28-year-old Danish international is an experienced head at the back for Brendan Rodgers’ side, and his ability at the back as well as decent goal-scoring record have got him onto the radar of the likes of Barcelona in the past, though Agger insists he remains committed to the Anfield club. Liverpool will be pleased to have held onto him, as he is without a doubt one of their most important players, even with some big signings made at the back during the summer.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
Definitely one of the best new arrivals last season, Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen looks a superb purchase by Andre Villas-Boas. The Belgian arrived from Ajax in the summer of 2012 having attracted interest from several big clubs, though Spurs will be delighted to have won the race for his signature, as his assured displays at the back helped the club put in a strong challenge for a top four place. Clearly schooled by the ‘total football’ made famous at Ajax, Vertonghen is also very capable going forward, and scored an excellent seven goals from the back last term, some of them showing truly impressive technique that an attacking player would be proud of.
Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
A top class centre-back and great leader of his club, there is little wrong that can be said of Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany. The Belgian is undoubtedly one of the club’s most important players and his fantastic displays were crucial to the side as they won the Premier League title in 2012. His goal against Manchester United sent a major statement of intent that they would overtake their rivals for top spot, and he continues to show his importance to City’s challenge for silverware this year. The 27-year-old has had some trouble with injuries of late, and City’s increasingly unsure performances in his absence show just how important he is. Kompany is certainly a very good shout for the best centre-back in the Premier League.