Who is the best defender in Premier League?

History shows that no Premier League team has ever won the tournament without a good right-back, who is capable of both defending and supporting the attack. Over the past 30 years, since the birth of the Premier League, there have been countless talented right-backs who have shined in this tournament. Below are 8 who is the best defender in Premier League who are considered the best in the above role. Let’s find out with Bestsoccertips.com through the article below!

Top 8 who is the best defender in Premier League

8. Joao Cancelo

João Cancelo, a Portuguese player, is known as one of the best defenders to ever play in the Premier League. Joining Manchester City from Juventus in 2019, Cancelo quickly impressed with his ability to play flexibly on both wings and creativity in his playing style. Not only does he ensure solidity in defense, he also stands out with his impressive ability to support the attack, often contributing assists and beautiful goals. Cancelo’s tactical acumen, skillful technique, and ball control make him an indispensable piece in Pep Guardiola’s squad.

In addition to his excellent playing ability, Cancelo also stands out with his fighting spirit and perseverance, factors that help him win the trust of fans and experts. In the 2021/22 season, he was honored in the PFA Team of the Year, affirming his position as one of the best defenders in the world. Although he temporarily left Manchester City to play for Bayern Munich and then Barcelona, ​​Cancelo has maintained his top form, continuing to prove his talent in every arena.

7. Kieran Trippier

England international Kieran Trippier has established himself as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League. Joining Newcastle United from Atlético Madrid in 2022, Trippier has quickly become a key player in the Magpies squad. He stands out for his solid defensive skills, accurate passing techniques and especially his powerful free-kicks, which have led to many decisive goals for the team. Trippier’s leadership role on the pitch lies not only in his technical skills but also in his leadership and fiery fighting spirit.

Trippy’s career has been an impressive journey as he played brilliantly for Tottenham Hotspur, making a major contribution to the team’s reach the 2019 Champions League final. At Atlético Madrid, he won the 2020/21 La Liga title, proving his ability to adapt to a top-flight football environment. Back in the Premier League, Trippier continued his consistent form, helping Newcastle compete strongly at the top. Not only was he successful at club level, he also left a deep mark on the England team with outstanding contributions at the World Cup and EURO.

6. Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk, a Dutch centre-back, has become an irreplaceable defensive icon at Liverpool and is one of the best players in the world in this position. Joining Anfield in 2018 from Southampton for a then-record fee for a defender, Van Dijk immediately proved his worth as a solid stopper in Liverpool’s defence. Possessing an ideal physique, sharp reading of the game and calmness under pressure, Van Dijk has not only improved the team’s defense but also contributed significantly to the victory in the 2019 Champions League and the 2020 Premier League title.

Van Dijk’s appearance has changed the way Liverpool play, especially under Jürgen Klopp. He has brought stability and organization to the defense, making the team one of the strongest defenses in Europe. Not only excellent in defense, Van Dijk is also a threat in set pieces, with excellent aerial ability. His winning the 2019 PFA Player of the Year award and being voted into the top 3 of the Ballon d’Or in the same year is a testament to the huge change he has brought to Liverpool, helping the team rise to become a force both domestically and in Europe.

5. Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta is not a flashy footballer, but he is exactly the ideal right-back that any team would want to have. With his solid defensive ability, calm ball control, accurate passing and sharpness in supporting attacks, Zabaleta has created the image of a complete defender. He does not need fancy moves to impress, but it is his efficiency, determination and tireless fighting spirit that make his brand.

At Manchester City, Zabaleta was an irreplaceable factor in the period when this team transformed into a force in the Premier League. He played a pivotal role in the journey to conquer titles, culminating in the dramatic 2011/12 Premier League championship. Zabaleta’s contributions were not only in terms of expertise, but also in his leadership spirit, his cohesion and his great influence on his teammates on the pitch.

4. Lee Dixon

Lee Dixon can be considered one of the most reliable leaders of Arsenal’s defense during his 14 years with the team, starting from when he joined in 1988. Not possessing a flashy style or outstanding speed, Dixon impressed with his solidity and effective playing style. Thanks to that, he contributed significantly to helping Arsenal win 2 English First Division championships and 2 Premier League titles, creating a memorable period of success in the team’s history.

For Arsenal fans in the 1990s, Lee Dixon was an indispensable piece in the legendary defensive quartet along with Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams. This quartet always brought absolute peace of mind every time the team entered the match. Dixon ended his glittering Arsenal career at Highbury in 2002, aged 38, leaving behind a legacy of exemplary defending and dedication.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold

Since his early days in Liverpool’s youth team, Trent Alexander-Arnold has developed into one of the best right-backs in the world over the years. In his position, many people often think that his main job is to clear the ball or stop the opposition, but Trent has proven that the role of a modern defender can go far beyond that. He is a player who is both solid in defence and excellent in intelligent and creative ball handling.

Under the guidance of manager Jurgen Klopp, and making the most of his natural talent, Trent Alexander-Arnold has become one of Liverpool’s most important pillars. Not only does he excel in defence, he also excels in attack, sometimes at the expense of a world-class midfielder. A testament to his talent, Trent currently holds the record for most assists by a right-back in Premier League history, a feat that underlines his unique and comprehensive role in the Liverpool squad.

2. Gary Neville

A mainstay of the Manchester United squad that dominated the Premier League in the 1990s and 2000s, Gary Neville was widely regarded as England’s best right-back of the era. Not only that, he was also consistently ranked among the world’s top right-backs thanks to his consistency, strong fighting spirit and outstanding understanding of the game. Neville was the type of player every coach would want in his squad: determined, intelligent and always ready to contribute.

The former Red Devils star stood out for his accurate and reliable tackling ability, along with his effective attacking support. During his long Premier League career, Neville contributed 35 assists, an impressive number for a defender at the time. Furthermore, he won 8 Premier League titles, a clear testament to his talent and influence in Manchester United’s era of great success.

1. Kyle Walker

Kyle Walker’s outstanding physical strength and incredible speed have set him apart from many of his contemporaries. These qualities not only help him stand out in defensive situations but also make him a formidable weapon when supporting the attack. It is this versatility and efficiency that has made a coach who always sets high standards like Pep Guardiola not hesitate to give him special favor in the Manchester City squad.

Since joining Manchester City from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017, Walker has quickly become one of the irreplaceable pillars of the team. In the blue half of Manchester, he has not only maintained a stable performance but also contributed greatly to the resounding successes of the club. This defender born in 1990 has won 6 Premier League titles with Manchester City, clearly demonstrating the class and durability of one of the best right-backs in the world.

Conclusion

So when considering the question who is the best defender in Premier League?, it can be said that the one who deserves to be at the top must be the player who perfectly combines speed, outstanding physical strength and solid defensive ability. Not only are they good at defending, they also make important contributions to the team’s attacks, becoming an irreplaceable factor in the squad. These players have affirmed their class by maintaining stable performance, helping the team achieve many successes in the Premier League.

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