Top Five Best Centre Backs Of The Premier League Era

After going through the best left-backs in last week’s post, it is now time to look at the top centre-backs of the Premier League era.

Some of the selections were easier than others, and there are some standout names that have been omitted from this list.

However, it is important to point out that while there have been some very good centre-backs over the past few decades, the truly great ones who stand the test of time are those who have brought success and trophies to their clubs.

Press the next page as we go through our five best centre-halves of the past thirty years.

5) Virgil van Dijk

Some may dispute his place on the list as, after all, he is technically yet to win a Premier League title, but his impact on Liverpool has been profound.

The Reds were toiling defensively before van Dijk’s arrival, and the turnaround has been dramatic, with the Merseyside club having lost just twice in two Premier League seasons. Not many centre-backs of the last 30 years can claim to be part of teams that have achieved that.

4) Vincent Kompany

The Belgian won four Premier League titles during his eleven years with City and considering the fierce competition at the top of the game in England, that is a remarkable achievement.

Kompany led by example on the pitch and without his leadership, the Citizens would certainly have won fewer trophies over the last decade.

3) Tony Adams

The Gunners legend was incredibly important during the early years under Arsene Wenger, with his presence at the back helping his team to two Premier League crowns.

Adams bowed out in 2002 after making 672 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions, spanning 19 years; a remarkable feat for a truly great defender.

2) Rio Ferdinand

United have had a number of great centre-backs in the Premier League era. The likes of Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister were incredibly important in the 90s. Jaap Stam was also a standout figure while Ferdinand’s long time defensive partner Nemanja Vidic also merits a mention.

However, the England international’s achievements whilst playing for the Red Devils are unrivalled. Six League titles combined with six PFA Premier League Team of the Year selections make him an essential inclusion on this list.

1) John Terry

The former Chelsea and England captain may have been disliked by fans of opposing clubs, but, for the best part of 20 years, he was synonymous with the Blues.

Terry led Chelsea from 2004 to 2017; the most successful era in the club’s history, with 17 major honours to his name.

You may also be interested in reading:

Top Five Best Left Backs Of The Premier League Era
Top Five Best Right Backs Of The Premier League Era
Top Five Best Goalkeepers Of The Premier League Era
5 Things To Know About Nicolas Tagliafico: The Fullback Targeted By Both City And Chelsea
Top Five Most Influential Captains Of The Premier League Era
Five Managers That City Could Go After If Guardiola Were To Leave The Etihad
4 Stunning Similarities That Show Why Foden Is Destined To Be David Silva’s Successor At City
5 Things We Learned From City’s Triumph In Madrid
Manchester City’s Five Most Influential Players Of The Past Decade
Four Centre Backs City Could Be Looking At Signing In January

Or

You can visit our blog home page to read more news about Manchester City here