The 2024/25 La Liga campaign has seen several defenders step up with world-class performances, making their mark as some of the best in Spain. From emerging talents to established veterans, these centre-backs have been crucial for their teams. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 centre-backs in La Liga this season, ranked based on their performances, defensive contributions, and overall impact.
10. Omar Alderete (Getafe)
Alderete has quietly been one of the most underrated defenders in La Liga this season. His aerial dominance and aggressive style have made him a key figure for Getafe.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.15 average rating
— 6.0 clearances per game
— 68% aerial duels won
— 1.3 tackles per game
His presence at the back has helped Getafe maintain defensive stability.
9. Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad, on loan from West Ham)
Since moving to La Liga, Aguerd has been a revelation for Real Sociedad. His combination of physicality and intelligence has made him a standout defender.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.06 average rating
— 89% pass accuracy
— 3.6 Ball recoveries per game
— 3.8 clearances per game
Aguerd’s ability to break up play and start attacks from the back has been vital for Sociedad.
8. Yeray Álvarez (Athletic Bilbao)
Another crucial piece of Athletic Bilbao’s defence, Yeray Álvarez has been as dependable as ever. His no-nonsense defending and leadership have helped keep Bilbao competitive.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.01 average rating
— 1.3 tackles per game
— 4.1 clearances per game
— 60% aerial duels won
Bilbao’s defensive solidity owes much to his consistent performances.
7. Clément Lenglet (Atletico, on loan from Barcelona)
After struggling for consistency in previous years, Clément Lenglet has found his rhythm again at Atletico. His ability to play out from the back, combined with solid defensive contributions, has made him a key figure in their backline.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.10 average rating
— 88% pass accuracy
— 4.5 clearances per game
— 3.3 Ball recoveries per game
His performances have shown glimpses of the player who once dominated at Barcelona.
6. Raúl Asencio (Real Madrid)
The young Spanish defender has emerged as a reliable backup for Real Madrid this season, but since Éder Militão’s injury, he has stepped up. His composure, passing ability, and solid defensive performances have made him a player to watch.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 6.82 average rating
— 93% pass accuracy
— 1.8 clearances per game
— 2.3 Ball recoveries per game
Asencio’s development has been promising, and he could have a long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu.
5. José María Giménez (Atlético Madrid)
A pillar of Atlético Madrid’s defence for years, Giménez has maintained his usual high standards this season. Despite some injury setbacks, his presence in Diego Simeone’s backline remains vital.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.11 average rating
— 1.1 tackles per game
— 4.3 clearances per game
— 2.9 total duels won
His aggressive yet intelligent defending has helped Atlético remain one of the toughest teams to break down.
4. Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao)
Dani Vivian has been one of the most reliable defenders in La Liga this season. His consistency and leadership at the back have been crucial in Athletic Bilbao’s strong defensive record.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.15 average rating
— 1.5 tackles per game
— 4.1 clearances per game
— 61% aerial duels won
His defensive awareness and ability to read the game have been instrumental in Bilbao’s push for European football.
3. Pau Cubarsí (Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Pau Cubarsí has taken La Liga by storm. The La Masia graduate has shown remarkable maturity beyond his years, combining excellent positioning with precise passing. His ability to read the game and make crucial interventions has earned him widespread praise.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.02average rating
— 93% pass accuracy
— 2.8 ball recovered per game
— 2.5 clearances per game
— 65% aerial duels won
If he continues on this trajectory, Cubarsí could be a key player for both Barcelona and Spain for years to come.
2. Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid)
A two-time UEFA Champions League winner, Antonio Rüdiger has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the best defenders in world football. His aggressive defending, leadership, and ability to win physical battles make him a nightmare for attackers.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 6.92 average rating
— 1.3 tackles per game
— 3.7 clearances per game
— 2.4% total duels won
— 3.9 ball recovered per game
Rüdiger’s strength and ball-playing ability have been crucial for Real Madrid’s defensive stability under Carlo Ancelotti.
1. Iñigo Martínez (Barcelona)
After spending years as a key figure at Athletic Bilbao, Iñigo Martínez joined Barcelona in 2023. While his first season at the club was solid, the 2024/25 campaign has been a different story—he has stepped up massively, delivering the best season of his career so far.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Stats:
— 7.37 average rating (highest-rated centre-back)
— 91% pass accuracy
— 3.9 ball recovered per game
— 3.9 clearances per game
— 62% aerial duels won
His composure on the ball, positional awareness, and ability to initiate attacks from the back have made him an irreplaceable part of Flick’s defence.
