The Premier League is such an exciting brand worldwide due to the thrilling nature and sheer competitiveness of the division. Truly anyone can beat anyone and the quality of the attacking players is often, quite rightly, lauded for getting us on the edge of our seats week in, week out.
Though there’s the odd goal fest, such as the recently thrilling 3-3 draw between Everton and Bournemouth, the stoic efforts of some of the world’s best defenders over the past two decades have helped propel the Premier League to one of the greatest competitions in the world.
The struggles facing English teams in European contests in recent seasons are well documented, but it’s important to remember that for periods of time, clubs from these shores have reigned supreme over the their continental counterparts – largely due to the efforts of imperial backlines.
Defenders are a funny breed, from out and out bruisers to gloriously gifted ball playing centre-halves, we have seen some of the best in the game ply their trade in these isles across the years.
Whether they play at full-back or more centrally, it’s time to look back and appreciate their talents once more.
Here are the top FIFTY defenders ever to play in the Premier League…
50. JOLEON LESCOTT
Clubs: Wolves, Everton, Man City, West Brom, Aston Villa
Aside from the fact he now plays for an awful Aston Villa side, Joleon Lescott has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League for pretty much a decade. His form while at Everton prompted Manchester City to splash out around £22m on his services in 2009, which shows just how good he was.
While at the Etihad, the former England international won two Premier League titles as well as both domestic cups. He formed a formidable partnership with Vincent Kompany at the heart of the defence as the Manchester outfit came to terms with their new found wealth.
He provided an assured, calm approach next to Kompany as the club finally translated their mega millions into on field success.
49. DANNY MILLS
Clubs: Leeds, Man City, Middlesbrough
Mills may not be the most glamorous name on the list, but he was a solid right-back recognised at England level 19 times. After helping Charlton secure promotion to the top tier in 1999, he was snapped up by Leeds, who were then a big deal.
He played a part in the club’s run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2001, though could only watch the Whites crumble around him. He later moved to Manchester City where he continued to be dependable in a right-back berth at solid Premier League level.
Was sent to Teesside on loan as ‘Boro won the League Cup back in 2004 under Steve McClaren, and was a thoroughly reliable defender in his day.
48. JAN VERTONGHEN
Clubs: Tottenham
The big Belgian is back to his best under the new Mauricio Pochettino regime at White Hart Lane, after looking shaky in the year or two before that. However, his early form in North London earns him a place in this list.
After arriving from Ajax in 2012, the defender proved to be one of the classiest on the continent as he seamlessly slotted into Andre Villas-Boas’ backline – even popping up with the occasional goal. His form suffered a dip last year but he is now back to his best as the North London outfit launch a new era under the impressive Argentine.
47. GARETH SOUTHGATE
Clubs: Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough
The current England Under-21 coach is perhaps most famous for his penalty kick miss against Germany at Euro 96, though he was a solid defender in his day. Starting as a youngster at Selhurst Park, he was transferred to Aston Villa following the Eagles’ relegation in 1995.
While at Villa Park he formed a formidable partnership with Ugo Ehiogu at heart of the defence under John Gregory. Comfortable on the ball, Southgate won the League Cup in claret and blue and was a stalwart coming up to Euro 2000.
A move to one of the big ones never materialised for the player despite often being linked with the likes of Manchester United. However, following his move to Middlesbrough in 2001, he became a fans favourite on Teesside thanks to his constant assured displays. Winning another League Cup and reaching the UEFA Cup final in 2006 before moving into management, Southgate was a fine defender in his day.
46. JONATHAN WOODGATE
Clubs: Leeds, Newcastle, Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Stoke)
Aside from his comically bad debut for Real Madrid player, Jonathan Woodgate was an excellent defender. He emerged as one of the brightest talents in the country while with Leeds as the club battled on both domestic and European fronts in the early 2000s.
As the Whites crumbled, Sir Bobby Robson shelled out £9m to bring him to Newcastle where he instantly became a fans favourite. One of the best defenders the club has ever seen with all round displays, a solid defender as well as comfortable bringing the ball out of defence. Real Madrid were prompted to buy him in 2004, though he scored an own goal and was sent off on his debut.
Injuries prevented Woodgate from ever really establishing himself as a truly world class performer, but he was a joy to watch on his day.
45. JOHN O’SHEA
Clubs: Man United, Sunderland
It’s easy to forget that John O’Shea was a stalwart of the most successful period at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson. An academy graduate, the Irishman won five Premier League titles, along with the Champions League at Old Trafford across 12 years with the club. Granted, he was often a backup to bigger names, but a solid backup nonetheless.
The fact he is still a regular in the Premier League at the age of 34 should tell you he is a solid performer. Sunderland’s defence may be comical at times, but the 108 capped Republic of Ireland international is still capable of the dependable performances we grew accustomed to while he was a Red Devil.
44. BACARY SAGNA
Clubs: Arsenal, Man City
The Frenchman had been an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s Gunners side until he moved to Manchester City last season. He spent seven years on the right of the defence in North London, blending incisive attacking play with tough tackling.
Modern full-backs tend to forget their defensive duties these days, but the Les Blues star is as solid dealing with danger as he is flying down the wings. Manchester City pounced to land him on a free after leaving Arsenal last year, where the 32-year old continues to churn out assured displays in the North West.
Thankfully, he’s now rid of those bleach blonde dreadlocks.
43. JOSE FONTE
Clubs: Southampton
Jose Fonte has been one of the stalwarts of success down on the South Coast. The defender arrived at St. Mary’s from Crystal Palace for just £1m as the Saints were in League One. Just four years later, he would captain one of the meanest defences in the Premier League as a Saint.
His lasting impact is indicative of their success. After grafting his way through League One and the Championship, the Portuguese centre-back is one of the classiest in top tier despite his aging years. Just when you think surely another year is beyond him, the 31-year old surprises us all and remains one of the most stoic defenders across all 20 teams.
His meteoric rise was finally rewarded with a call up to the Portugal squad last year and is a shoe in for their Euro 2016 squad if he can continue to operate at such a high level.
Somehow, the former Benfica star even managed to make Dejan Lovren look good.
42. FABRICIO COLOCCINI
Clubs: Newcastle
Despite the fact he is now perhaps the worst player in the worst team under the worst manager currently in the league, we cannot forget the efforts of the Argentinian on Tyneside over the past even year.
Shaky in his first year, the Argentine international flourished as the Magpies won the Championship and returned to the Premier League in 2010. Under Alan Pardew, the shaggy haired centre-back became one of the most consistent in the league. Included in the PFA Team of the Year during the 2010-2011 campaign, the ex-AC Milan star was excellent as the Toon Army finished 5th.
Important to remember what he was, not what he is now.
41. LEIGHTON BAINES
Clubs: Wigan, Everton
The marauding Merseyside Mod is unfortunate to have played understudy to Ashley Cole, arguably the greatest left-back in the world in his heyday, at international level for so long. For Baines is a wonderful player and would have been a regular for the Three Lions were it not for the brilliance of his compatriot.
After joining Everton from Wigan back in 2007, the England star has become perhaps the most underrated full-back in the country. He can pretty much do it all. Defend, attack and take a stinging free-kick.
A competent dribbler, the 30-year is truly a top performer and can really stake a claim for the Number 3 shirt at Euro 2016 now he is back from injury.
40. RYAN SHAWCROSS
Clubs: Stoke City
Despite never making it at Manchester United, and constantly being ignored by England, Ryan Shawcross is an extremely solid defender. He’s carved himself out a reputation as somewhat of a cult hero at the Britannia after helping Stoke consolidate their Premier League status.
In fact, not only that, he has helped them become a seriously competitive Premier League outfit in recent years under first Tony Pulis and more recently Mark Hughes.
Often seen as simply a bruiser, his ability to read the game and sniff out danger is criminally underrated at times.
He’s not the most elegant, but one of the most effective.
39. CLAUS LUNDEKVAM
Clubs: Southampton
During the days of Claus Lundekvam, Southampton were a lot different to the team we see constantly defying the odds today. The Saints, while not typically relegation fodder, it’s fair to say were towards the lower end of the scale in the Premier League.
Not down to the efforts of the towering Norwegian however. Lundekvam was a stalwart on the South Coast during the late ’90s and early ‘00s. Famously only ever scored two goals for the club over 357 appearances, it was towards the other end of the pitch where he proved most dependable.
Played in the FA Cup final for the red and white army, and affectionately earned the nickname ‘Super Claus’ during his time at both the Dell and S. Mary’s.
38. SYLVAIN DISTIN
Clubs: Newcastle, Man City, Portsmouth, Everton, Bournemouth
The classy Frenchman is still going strong with Bournemouth well into his playing career, which should tell you just how good he has been. One of the most underrated players over the past decade or so, he’s been criminally overlooked as one of the most dependable defenders there is in the league.
Thoroughly impressed while on loan at Newcastle and has been a fixture in solid defences ever since. Formerly the captain of Manchester City before their investment, later skippering Portsmouth to a sensational FA Cup win in 2008.
Has the unfortunate record of being the player with the most appearances in the Premier League without receiving an international cap, but still an excellent defender.
37. JOHN ARNE RIISE
Clubs: Liverpool, Fulham
The red haired Norwegian was rampant up and down the left wing as a Liverpool defender during the early to mid ‘00s. Known for his impressive stamina and marauding charges behind enemy lines, the former Monaco man was a stout defender in his day too.
What he is perhaps best known for his rasping shot. Able to hit a free-kick from almost anywhere, the Norway legend carved himself out a reputation as a deadball specialist, as well as getting fans off their seats whenever he was within 30 yards of goal.
Moved to Fulham when his powers were somewhat on the wane, but John Arne Riise was one of the most notoriously attacking left-backs these shores have ever seen.
36. WES BROWN
Clubs: Man United, Sunderland
Sir Alex Ferguson once described Wes Brown as ‘without question the best natural defender this club has had for years’ while the pair worked at Old Trafford. While a Red Devil, Brown made 232 appearances, winning seven league titles and two Champions Leagues.
While largely an understudy for the early part of his career, Brown made the right-back berth his own amid the mounting injury problems Gary Neville began to suffer in the late ‘00s. In fact, he started the 2008 Champions League final at full-back and assisted Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener in Moscow.
Now with Sunderland, Brown was largely underrated during his time at Old Trafford.
35. PHILIPPE ALBERT
Clubs: Newcastle
Far from the most solid of centre-backs, Philippe Albert became a cult hero on Tyneside for his surging runs up the field and classy distribution from 1994 to 1999. The Belgian was a crucial part of ‘the Entertainers’ side that so nearly lifted the Premier League in the mid-90s.
An excellent footballer rather than defender, Albert was still a top class performer. There have been tougher tacklers and tighter man markers, but the former Toon icon is as classy as they come.
Plus, who can ever forget THAT chip against Manchester United?
34. PHIL NEVILLE
Clubs: Man United, Everton
Arguably the least celebrated of the infamous Class of ’92 group, Phil Neville was one of the most reliable understudies Fergie could have possibly hoped for. While never a world beater, Neville could perform all over backline.
Across his decade at the Theatre of Dreams, alongside his brother, he won 6 league titles and the Champions League while also lifting numerous cup competitions. Dependable in defence and midfield, he was a wonderful stop gap between United legends Denis Irwin and Patrice Evra at left-back.
Will also be fondly remembered at Goodison Park, where he captained Everton under David Moyes.
33. STEVE FINNAN
Clubs: Fulham, Liverpool
The Irishman is the only player to ever appear in all levels of English football from the Premier League down to the Conference, as well as the Intertoto Cup, Champions League and World Cup. That is some record considering he also won over 50 caps at international level without ever truly being appreciated.
While with Liverpool, Finnan made the right-back role his own and won the Champions League and FA Cup in successive years. An attacking defender, he was able to cross effectively from deep or pushing up towards the byline. It’s amazing he didn’t receive more plaudits than he did during his time at Anfield.
32. GARY CAHILL
Clubs: Aston Villa, Bolton, Chelsea
Chelsea struggled for a few years to effectively find a partner for John Terry following the departure of Ricardo Carvalho to Real Madrid. More glamorous names such as Alex and David Luiz were not consistent enough to be considered long term options so the club looked closer to home.
Cahill arrived from Bolton at the start 2012 and slotted seamlessly into the backline to partner his captain. The former Villa youngster is a classy, ball playing centre-half able to read the game effectively and efficiently. Surprisingly an excellent technician, the England star is known for his powerful heading and immense pace.
He’s been a key part in bringing a solidity to Chelsea, this season aside…
31. LAUREN
Clubs: Arsenal, Portsmouth
The Cameroonian bruising right-back was an integral part of the successful Arsenal side during the early ‘00s, becoming a mainstay in the imperial ‘Invincibles’ defence. Replacing Lee Dixon was never going to be an easy feat, but the former Mallorca man made the transition seamless when he arrived in 2000.
As stout a defender as they come, his athletic prowess helped form a watertight defence as the Gunners wowed fans and neutrals alike with their intricate attacking play further up the park. A resolute defender, he made sure the Arsenal goal was as well protected as Fort Knox at times.
Oh how they could use him now.
30. PHIL JAGIELKA
Clubs: Sheffield United, Everton
Though he famously once played in goal during the Blades’ ill-fated spell in the Premier League, a rock solid centre-back is the best way to describe England international Phil Jagielka.
Converted from a central midfielder, Jagielka is a rock at the heart of any defence with his no-nonsense approach to the game. Perhaps classing him as a bruiser would be doing him a disservice, as the Toffees captain has proved a stalwart of the build up from the back play imposed by Roberto Martinez on Merseyside.
A regular for the Three Lions, he has almost 40 caps at international level and is almost certainly set to represent his country at Euro 2016, after previously playing at Euro 2012 and last summer’s World Cup. Recently became the first Everton player to ever captain England in a qualifier against Lithuania.
By no means done yet, Jagielka is rock solid.
29. STUART PEARCE
Clubs: Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, West Ham, Man City
‘Psycho’ as he is commonly known worked his way up through the non-league system before joining Coventry and later Nottingham Forest, and his humble beginnings were evident in his whole hearted approach to the game.
One of the most ferocious tacklers the league has ever seen, the Nottingham Forest legend would very, very rarely let a winger past him. The terms ‘hard’ and ‘fair’ would probably be most accurate when describing the left-back, who was as uncompromising as they come.
12 years at the City Ground, most as captain establishes him as a true legend at the club.
Not a very good manager, mind.
28. LAURENT KOSCIELNY
Clubs: Arsenal
Arsene Wenger can get a lot of stick when he signs some young French player who nobody has ever heard of, only to see the player produce a whole lot of nothing. However, we must all marvel at his decision to sign Laurent Koscielny in 2010.
Plucked from relative obscurity, the technical centre-back has proved a truly wonderful addition to the Gunners since he signed. A pacey, assured presence next to the towering Per Mertesacker, the Frenchman is among the top defenders on the continent.
He is the side’s leader, their talisman and though he differs somewhat from the likes of Tony Adams, offers a calm cool and collected aura whenever he plays.
Had he left for Real Madrid or Barcelona in the summer, the Emirates outfit would be a lot worse off than they are now.
27. KOLO TOURE
Clubs: Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool
Often the subject of abuse these days, it’s easy to forget how solid Kolo Toure has been over this near enough decade and a half in the Premier League.
Part of the Invincibles team at Highbury, the Ivorian arrived for just £150,000 in 2002 and would later be sold to Manchester City for £14m.
While neither the most elegant or most imposing of centre-backs, his astute reading of the game has seen him win two Premier League titles and two FA Cups.
26. STEVE BOULD
Clubs: Arsenal, Sunderland
Now Arsene Wenger’s right hand man at the Emirates, Steve Bould was a rock at the heart of the defence under the likes of George Graham and Bruce Ricoh while with the Gunners as a player.
Became one of the most sought after centre-halves in the country as a youngster with Stoke City before moving to Highbury and forming a water tight backline. Along with the likes of Tony Adams, Nigel Winterburn and Lee Dixon, the ex-England international proved formidable in the early to mid-1990s.
Won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup with the club and while many thought he would leave when Wenger arrived in 1996, he proved his class and went through a mini-revival.
A truly solid defender and underrated as an Arsenal legend.
25. GRAEME LE SAUX
Clubs: Chelsea, Blackburn, Southampton
While his first stint at Stamford Bridge ended prematurely as the Channel Islands born Graeme Le Saux joined the then very wealthy Blackburn Rovers, his return in 1997 established him as one of the club’s best ever left-backs.
After winning the Premier League at Ewood Park, he moved back to London and was a nailed on starter when fit. Unfortunately, the England international was often the subject of niggling injuries, but was a rare case of a flying left-back who understood his defensive duties.
Became the most expensive English defender in history when the Blues brought him back for £5m in 1997 and was a huge part of keeping them competitive in the days before Roman Abramovich.
24. CLAUDE MAKELELE
Clubs: Chelsea
Okay, so he’s not quite a defender. But bear with us, he was simply that good at his defensive duties. The screen provided to the Chelsea defence by the terrier like Frenchman was pretty much like playing five at the back.
Chelsea signed the Frenchman from Real Madrid when Roman Abramovich initially took over the Blues back in 2003, and what a signing he was.
Not as glamorous as perhaps some of the other names that followed him through the door, but he was as dependable and solid a holding midfielder you could possibly want. So good football fans up and down the country coined the holding role as the ‘Makelele role’.
23. NIGEL WINTERBURN
Clubs: Arsenal, West Ham
Another key cog in George Graham’s famous back five at Highbury in the mid-1990s, Nigel Winterburn was the man charged with filling the left-back position for almost a decade at Highbury.
Along with Lee Dixon on the opposite side, the pair flanked the likes of Tony Adams and David O’Leary expertly. While remaining almost impenetrable, Winterburn was as dangerous going forward too and famously set up Alan Smith’s opener in the win over Liverpool that secured the old First Division.
Though he was never really recognised at international level, the former Wimbledon man kept his high level of performances up even after the arrival of Arsene Wenger and a complete change in philosophy. It took only the emergence of Ashley Cole to tempt Wenger to tell one of the most reliable defenders the Gunners have ever seen to move on.
22. MARCEL DESAILLY
Clubs: Chelsea
Marcel Desailly was crucial in helping Chelsea carve out a reputation as a cosmopolitan yet competitive club in the days before Roman Abramovich. The World Cup winner has had a distinguished career all over the globe, but showed his true class at Stamford Bridge.
He arrived in 1998 for £4.6m and formed a formidable partnership with compatriot Frank Leboeuf during his time in West London. The Frenchman was aggressive and physical, yet possessed an elegance and confidence with the ball at his feet not often seen in defenders.
A legend of the game and truly one of the best defenders of his generation.
21. MARTIN KEOWN
Clubs: Everton, Arsenal, Leicester
It’s well documented just how good the Arsenal defence was in the 1990s and Martin Keown was a huge part of that. After leaving Highbury for Aston Villa and later Everton, he was brought back in 1993 to form one of the meanest defences the Premier League has ever seen.
While never the superstar Tony Adams was, the former England international supplemented the likes of his skipper and Steve Bould in a ridiculously competitive battle for places at Highbury. The youngster of the group, he would later become an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s plans as the Gunners dominated English football during the early part of his reign.
A measured student of the game, other than the Ruud van Nistlerooy incident of course…
20. BRANISLAV IVANOVIC
Clubs: Chelsea
It would be a shame if 2015-16 was the last season Branislav Ivanovic played for Chelsea, due to the nature of the performances of both him and his teammates. However, the stoic Serb has been a stalwart of success at Stamford Bridge for seven years.
The 31-year old has been one of the most consistent right-backs in the Premier League since arriving in 2008. An unforgiving defender, the former Lokomotiv Moscow man has been one of the most formidable opponents for wingers in every sense since arriving on these shores.
His aerial ability helps him perform exceptionally well at both ends of the pitch, his crossing quality earns the Serbian captain an awful lot of assists and oddly enough, he tends to be ice cool in front of goal.
Other than the more celebrated trio of John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho and Ashley Cole, it’s hard to think of a better defender playing for Chelsea since they became a real force.
19. LEE DIXON
Clubs: Arsenal
Now a TV pundit, the Arsenal defender was a quarter part of the league’s first great defences. He was an integral part of George Graham’s backline at Highbury, and later Arsene Wenger’s.
A marauding right-back, he was one of the first to combine strong defensive work and overlapping winger support so well in the Premier League. Helped form the solid base from which the Gunners would launch title assault after title assault.
A diligent defender, he mixed an astute reading of the game with discipline and athleticism over 15 years in North London.
18. DENIS IRWIN
Clubs: Man United, Wolves
Regarded by Sir Alex was pound-for-pound his greatest ever signing, Irish full-back Denis Irwin will also be fondly remembered for long and successful stint at Old Trafford.
Won every major honour as a Red Devil and while he was comfortable in virtually any defensive position, was largely deployed as a left-back. Even well into his 30s his boss still preferred the former Leeds and Oldham star to the emerging Phil Neville.
While one of the most solid defenders the club has ever seen, Irwin also carved himself out a reputation as a deadball specialist, expertly taking free-kicks or penalties.
Along with Roy Keane, he is most successful Irish football ever. So that should tell you a bit about how good he was.
17. SAMI HYYPIA
Clubs: Liverpool
The bleach blonde Finnish international was an absolute steal at just £2.6m back in 1999 when he arrived on Merseyside as a relative unknown. The solid centre-halve became a pillar at the heart of defence under Gerard Houllier at Anfield, forming a formidable partnership with Stephane Henchoz.
It was clear he was a defender of great stature and ability, even lasting under Rafa Benitez who had taken the club through a completely different stage. Won pretty much every medal other than the Premier League on Merseyside, even popping up with crucial goals now and again.
Netted a pretty impressive 35 times across his decade with the club, including one crucial goal against Juventus to send Liverpool to Istanbul.
16. PABLO ZABALETA
Clubs: Man City
Amid the hundreds of millions spent at the Etihad Stadium in recent years, it’s easy to forget that the capture of Pablo Zabaleta in 2008 has been one of the most important in City’s quest for world domination.
In fact, he actually arrived from Espanyol the day before the Abu Dhabi group announced their takeover at Eastlands. Ever since then, the Argentine has proved ridiculously dependable on the right side of defence as the club have won two Premier League titles and both cup competitions.
In the age of attacking full-backs who tend to forget their defensive responsibility, Zabaleta has bucked the trend for years upon years now with his resolute reading of the game and physical approach.
15. LEDLEY KING
Clubs: Tottenham
Would no doubt be far higher on this list if it weren’t for his terrible luck with injuries. Spurs legend Ledley King was one of the most gifted centre-halves England has ever produced, and half the time he didn’t even train!
His troublesome knee prevented King from training as much as he would have liked, yet he was utterly formidable at times when it came to matchday. Truly logic defying how he continued to be one of the best defenders in the Premier League, arguably during its strongest period in recent years, but simply couldn’t train.
Had he been fully fit at all times, there is really no reason why the ex-England international would be talked about in the same vein as Rio Ferdinand. Elegant on the ball yet unforgiving when squared up to an opponent, it’s a real shame he suffered such chronic injury throughout his career.
14. GARY PALLISTER
Clubs: Man United, Middlesbrough
Broke the British transfer record for a defender when he left Teesside for Old Trafford at £2.3m in 1989, and even represented England before he played in the top flight. Gary Pallister was just that good.
Alongside Steve Bruce, the pair formed the first great defence under Sir Alex Ferguson as the Red Devils looked to make their mark on English football in the 1990s. Won four Premier League titles and 3 FA Cups with the club and was Fergie’s first talisman in defence alongside Steve Bruce.
13. VINCENT KOMPANY
Clubs: Man City
Manchester City are susceptible to the odd crumble here and there, despite the multi millions invested into signing central defenders over the years. However, whoever partners Vincent in the side is sure in good Kompany (sorry).
The towering Belgian has been the best defensive buy in a number of years and marshals the backline at the Etihad like no other. The Citizens are an entirely different animal without their captain, who even pops up with the odd goal now and again.
If this current side are ever going to make a splash in the Champions League, it will be down to whether the 29-year old stays fit or not. He’s that good.
12. JAAP STAM
Clubs: Man United
Jaap Stam only played in England for three seasons, but is one of the best to ever play on these shores. The classy Dutchman possessed a rare combination of attributes to make him one of the greatest defenders this league has ever seen.
Pacey, powerful and perfect on the ball, it’s a pity he was sold by the Old Trafford outfit. Fergie later admitted it was a mistake, but memories of the former Ajax and Holland legend are fond enough.
Often forgotten as arguably the best ball playing centre-back of the Sir Alex era, even giving Rio Ferdinand a run for his money.
11. PATRICE EVRA
Clubs: Man United
The Frenchman is approaching 35 years of age and still playing at one of the top clubs in Europe, with Juventus. He was the heir to Denis Irwin’s throne as the second world class left-back of the Sir Alex Ferguson dynasty.
Often gets stick in the press due to his perceived arrogant nature, it’s important to remember that the former Monaco man was the perfect blend of defence and attack. Probably should have been kept on to ease Luke Shaw into the role, but played in his fourth Champions League final at the age of 33 last term.
An integral piece of the backline that saw the Red Devils dominate European football between 2007 and 2009.
10. JAMIE CARRAGHER
Clubs: Liverpool
The Liverpool legend, now an excellent TV pundit, was a huge part of the Reds’ infamous 2005 Champions League final win. He made his way through the ranks at Anfield, filling in at a number of positions across the backline.
Once settled at centre-halve under Rafa Benitez, he was as important in defence as Steven Gerrard was in midfield. Possessed great recovery pace in getting back to make a last ditch challenge, which probably explains why the Scouser looked knackered all the time!
Over 500 games for the club, he was an assured defender capable of sniffing out trouble at a moment’s notice.
Seems hard to believe he grew up supporting Everton.
9. SOL CAMPBELL
Clubs: Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, Portsmouth
The man who crossed the North London divide, infamously joining Arsenal from fierce rivals Tottenham on a free transfer. Campbell was a towering, elegant defender who won the double at Highbury, before becoming a huge part of their Invincibles team.
His expertise are probably somewhat lost in time due to the fact he played in the era of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, but Campbell had a mix of both qualities.
His size, speed and strength made him difficult to get past and his prowess on the ball meant he slot perfectly into Arsene Wenger’s plans.
He later enjoyed a spell at Portsmouth, before bizarre tenures at Notts County and Newcastle United.
8. STEVE BRUCE
Clubs: Man United
The Manchester United captain may never have won an England cap, but led his side to a trio of Premier League titles.
He was Fergie’s first lynchpin at the heart of defence, taking on the responsibilities of organising the backline before the aura of Manchester United under the famous old Scot had really been crafted.
In fact, it was the Geordie defender who netted a brace against Sheffield Wednesday in order to send the Red Devils on their way to the inaugural Premier League crown. The rest is history.
7. ASHLEY COLE
Clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea
On the left-side of defence, Ashley Cole was rightly considered one of the best in the world in that position for a number of years.
Perhaps England’s best ever left-back, he won 107 caps for the Three Lions across his glittering career that saw him win almost every club competition he ever played in. Thoroughly dependable and you can probably count the amount of times he didn’t play well during his whole career on one hand.
A controversial personality, the former Arsenal and Chelsea man was sometimes forgotten as a truly world-class defender.
6. RICARDO CARVALHO
Clubs: Chelsea
The classy Portuguese defender arrived with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea back in 2004, and was integral in the side that only conceded 15 league goals in his first season.
Paired next to John Terry, he provided a calm alternative to the bruising Blues captain and was the epitome of elegance. He was the perfect foil for the Blues legend, offering an assured approach to Terry’s typically British centre-half play.
In fact, though they did not have much luck in the Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge, he gave the club a much more continental feel with his class.
The fact Mourinho brought him over to Real Madrid some six years after his arrival at Chelsea says a lot for his talents.
5. GARY NEVILLE
Clubs: Man United
Mr Dependable. The Manchester United defender formed a great partnership with David Beckham on the right side of Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble winning Red Devils team.
Man United through and through, the Bury born youngster is one of the most decorated English players of all time with 20 major trophies to his name.
The club have never really replaced him in his role, finding someone as utterly reliable as their former skipper is a truly daunting task.
A graduate of the Class of ’92, the England defender combined stoic defending with incisive attacking play for over a decade until injuries simply got too much for him.
Recently took charge of Valencia, his first step into full time management.
4. NEMANJA VIDIC
Clubs: Man United
An absolute rock at the heart of the last great Red Devils side, the stoic Serbian won five league titles and the Champions League, captaining the side for three years.
His consistency was perhaps his biggest attribute, constantly displaying almost super hero levels of strength, speed and defensive awareness.
His ability in the air blended with his speed and strength on the ground made him almost impossible to get past.
One of the most imposing defenders to ever play in England, he formed an excellent partnership with Rio Ferdinand before moving on to Inter Milan.
3. TONY ADAMS
Clubs: Arsenal
Tony Adams is often remembered a great leader and inspirational captain, which of course he was, but first and foremost he was an extremely intelligent defender.
Somehow managed to transcend the typically old fashioned and British Arsenal pre-Wenger, but flourish well into the Frenchman’s reign. Could read the game incredibly and stop attacks before they were anywhere near in motion, or track a run and limit any option to an opposing player.
Lead the Gunners for four league titles across his career, and is arguably the best defender the club ever had.
2. RIO FERDINAND
Clubs: West Ham, Leeds, Man United, QPR
Classy on the ball and elegance in abundance, the former Leeds and West Ham man became the most expensive defender in world football when moving to Manchester United in 2002.
An imposing figure at the heart of defence, he formed an outstanding partnership with Nemanja Vidic as the club dominated English football in the late ‘00s, and reached three Champions League finals in four years.
Perhaps the most technically gifted centre-back that has ever graced the league, the former England man had electric pace which afforded him the ability to clear up any mess he or a teammate may inadvertently create.
An excellent servant for his country, captaining the Three Lions on many occasions.
1. JOHN TERRY
Clubs: Chelsea
Chelsea’s greatest ever player. The defender has been with the club all of his career, winning every trophy he possibly can with the club.
Perhaps not the most well-liked individual, the former England captain sums up the British game with his life or death approach to the game.
His longevity across nearing 17 years at Stamford Bridge is what puts him at the top of this list. A leader, strong in the air, astute reader of the game, it’s hard to think what the skipper can’t do.
One of Mourinho’s generals, he has been crucial in establishing the Blues as a force both home and abroad.
He’s also a world-class defender, which helps of course.