The 2024/25 Premier League season saw a mix of familiar giants and breakout stars excel in defense. From rock-solid center-backs commanding their lines to full-backs blending attack with responsibility, this campaign proved one thing: defending is an art, and some have mastered it to near perfection.
This list celebrates the top 10 defenders who consistently delivered — not just in numbers, but in moments. These are the players who shut down the league’s most lethal attackers, anchored clean sheets, and influenced matches in ways only true defensive greats can.
Let’s dive into the elite names who defined Premier League defending this season.
10. Joško Gvardiol (Manchester City)
Position: Left-Back / Centre-Back
Age: 23
Nationality: Croatia
Joško Gvardiol’s second season in the Premier League was a masterclass in positional versatility and composure under pressure. Initially brought in as a center-back, Gvardiol has seamlessly transitioned into a hybrid left-back role under Pep Guardiola — offering City both defensive solidity and attacking support.
What made him truly stand out in the 2024/25 season was his improvement going forward. He showed surprising confidence in possession, frequently stepping into midfield to overload play and even scoring crucial goals late in the campaign.
Despite Manchester City’s fluid defensive rotations, Gvardiol remained one of their most consistent performers — calm under pressure, strong in duels, and rarely caught out of position.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 30 Minutes Played: 2,600 Clean Sheets: 12 Tackles per 90: 1.89 Interceptions per 90: 1.33 Clearances per 90: 3.28 Blocks per 90: 0.72 Passing Accuracy: 91.4% Goals Scored: 4 Assists: 2
Gvardiol’s ability to defend 1v1, contribute in build-up play, and step into the half-space made him a tactical weapon for City. His composure at such a young age continues to justify why he’s one of the most expensive defenders in history — and he’s only getting better.
9. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
Position: Full-Back
Age: 27
Nationality: Nigeria
Ola Aina’s versatility and defensive prowess were pivotal for Nottingham Forest’s campaign. Operating primarily as a full-back, his ability to adapt to various defensive roles provided stability to the team’s backline. His performances didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot in talkSPORT’s Team of the season
Aina’s defensive contributions were complemented by his offensive support, often initiating attacks from the flanks. His consistent performances were crucial in Forest’s pursuit of European qualification, showcasing his importance to the team’s overall strategy.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 35 Goals: 2 Assists: 2 Clean Sheets: 9 Tackles: 93 (60% success rate) Interceptions: 73 Clearances: 137 Recoveries: 276 Duels Won: 250 Crosses: 87 (20% accuracy)
8. Ibrahima Konaté (Liverpool)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 25
Nationality: France
Ibrahima Konaté has quietly developed into one of the most physically dominant defenders in the Premier League. Towering, quick, and positionally intelligent, Konaté provided Liverpool with the perfect blend of power and recovery speed in the 2024/25 campaign. As Virgil van Dijk’s defensive partner, he was crucial in shutting down transitions and handling one-on-one situations.
Konaté doesn’t just rely on strength — his awareness and anticipation have improved significantly, allowing him to intercept passes, step out of the line when needed, and clean up behind Liverpool’s high press.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 28 Minutes Played: 2,430 Clean Sheets: 10 Tackles per 90: 1.72 Interceptions per 90: 1.48 Clearances per 90: 4.65 Blocks per 90: 0.89 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 3.72 Passing Accuracy: 89.1%
With his elite athletic profile and refined timing, Konaté handled some of the league’s quickest and strongest attackers without breaking stride. His partnership with van Dijk was one of the steadiest center-back pairings in England this season, and his performances suggest he’s entering the prime years of his career.
7. Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 26
Nationality: Argentina
Cristian Romero has had a sensational 2024/25 season — leading Tottenham’s defense with fire, intelligence, and leadership. Known for his aggressive tackling and relentless pressing, Romero has matured into a more composed version of himself this season. Still intense, but far more measured, he’s played a key role in Spurs’ resurgence under Ange Postecoglou.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 32 Minutes Played: 2,885 Goals: 2 Clean Sheets: 11 Tackles per 90: 1.93 Interceptions per 90: 1.35 Clearances per 90: 4.23 Blocks per 90: 0.91 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 3.11 Passing Accuracy: 87.34%
Romero’s reading of the game has reached a new level, and he’s no longer the reckless enforcer many labeled him early in his career. His timing in challenges, composure on the ball, and leadership at the back have made him arguably the most complete center-back in the league this season.
6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Position: Right-Back / Inverted Fullback
Age: 25
Nationality: England
Trent Alexander-Arnold continues to redefine what it means to be a modern fullback. While his defensive consistency has improved, it’s his creativity, vision, and control from deep areas that place him among the league’s elite. Under Klopp’s evolved system, Trent has thrived in his hybrid role — part fullback, part central playmaker — dictating the tempo and slicing defenses open from unexpected angles.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 29 Minutes Played: 2,510 Goals: 4 Assists: 9 Key Passes per 90: 2.67 Tackles per 90: 1.28 Interceptions per 90: 1.09 Progressive Passes per 90: 9.03 Cross Accuracy: 31.2% Passing Accuracy: 86.5%
Trent’s unique positioning gives Liverpool unmatched width and control. He can ping 60-yard diagonals with ease, or play slick, short combinations through the midfield. While his defending still sees occasional criticism, his ability to influence games creatively is unmatched among defenders — and even some midfielders.
5. Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 19
Nationality: Spain
Few expected Dean Huijsen to adapt so quickly to Premier League football, but the teenage loanee from Juventus has taken Bournemouth by storm. Composed beyond his years and oozing confidence on the ball, Huijsen has combined progressive passing with crucial interventions at the back. He’s been one of the breakout stars of the 2024/25 campaign.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 27 Minutes Played: 2,335 Goals: 1 Assists: 1 Clean Sheets: 8 Tackles per 90: 1.51 Interceptions per 90: 1.18 Clearances per 90: 3.89 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 2.97 Passing Accuracy: 88.92%
Huijsen’s ability to read the game, play line-breaking passes, and hold his own physically against top strikers has earned him comparisons to elite modern center-backs. Bournemouth’s tactical shift to a more possession-based style benefited from his presence. His performances could very well earn him a permanent move — or a return to Juventus with bigger expectations.
4. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 26
Nationality: Brazil
Gabriel Magalhães has quietly become one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League. A perfect complement to William Saliba, Gabriel brings physicality, aerial dominance, and aggression to Arsenal’s high-line defense. His blend of strength and timing makes him a nightmare for strikers trying to hold up play or attack set pieces.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 31 Minutes Played: 2,790 Goals: 3 Clean Sheets: 14 Tackles per 90: 1.23 Interceptions per 90: 1.05 Clearances per 90: 4.11 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 3.34 Passing Accuracy: 89.47%
Gabriel’s no-nonsense defending has been a pillar of Mikel Arteta’s tactical success. Whether stepping up to intercept or dropping deep to protect the box, he’s proven adept at handling various threats. His physical edge and left-footed distribution also help Arsenal maintain balance in their buildup from the back.
3. Nikola Milenković (Nottingham Forest)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 27
Nationality: Serbia
Nikola Milenković has been a revelation for Brentford since arriving from Fiorentina. Towering at 6’5”, the Serbian international added much-needed stability and physicality to Brentford’s defense. His no-nonsense style, combined with improved distribution, made him a standout performer this season — even as the Bees fought in a crowded mid-table.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 29 Minutes Played: 2,541 Goals: 2 Clean Sheets: 9 Tackles per 90: 1.45 Interceptions per 90: 1.21 Clearances per 90: 5.07 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 3.96 Passing Accuracy: 85.12%
Milenković is a classic center-back who thrives on winning duels and clearing his lines. His aerial dominance is second to none in the league this season, and his improved composure in possession has elevated Brentford’s build-up play. If he maintains this form, he’ll likely attract interest from clubs higher up the table or across Europe next season.
2. William Saliba (Arsenal)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 23
Nationality: France
William Saliba has solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s premier defenders. His exceptional reading of the game, combined with composure under pressure, has been instrumental in Arsenal’s defensive solidity. Saliba’s ability to anticipate threats and initiate plays from the back has made him a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s setup.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 27 Minutes Played: 2,366 Goals Conceded (while on pitch): 17 Clean Sheets: 11 Tackles per 90: 1.74 Interceptions per 90: 0.75 Clearances per 90: 3.16 Passing Accuracy: 95.18% Possession Lost per 90: 3.8
Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been pivotal, with the duo complementing each other’s strengths. His high passing accuracy and minimal possession loss highlight his reliability in building play from the back. Saliba’s performances have not only fortified Arsenal’s defense but also contributed to their attacking transitions.
1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Position: Centre-Back
Age: 33
Nationality: Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk remains a towering presence in Liverpool’s backline and continues to prove why he’s considered one of the finest defenders of his generation. Even at 33, the Dutch captain has adapted his game to rely more on positioning, leadership, and timing than pure athleticism. His calmness under pressure and ability to marshal the defense make him the spine of Jürgen Klopp’s system.
Key Stats (Premier League 2024/25)
Appearances: 28 Minutes Played: 2,448 Goals: 2 Assists: 1 Clean Sheets: 12 Tackles per 90: 1.02 Interceptions per 90: 0.88 Clearances per 90: 3.74 Aerial Duels Won per 90: 3.22 Passing Accuracy: 91.74%
Van Dijk’s reading of the game allows him to be in the right place at the right time. He rarely needs to go to ground and instead uses his positioning and aerial dominance to snuff out threats early. His influence extends beyond stats — Liverpool look significantly more organized with him on the pitch. The leadership he brings is just as valuable as his defensive output.
