Top 5 best defenders in Premier League 2024 to 2025: Van Dijk and Saliba battle it out for the top spot

In the 2024/25 season, Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions with 84 points, finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal. Besides having the strongest attack in the league with 86 goals, they also had the second-best defense, conceding only 41 goals. Above Liverpool were Arsenal, who owned the best defensive record with just 34 goals conceded. In this article, soccerwayuk.com answers the question of who the Top 5 best defenders in Premier League 2024 to 2025.

Top 5 best defenders in the Premier League 2024 to 2025

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

The race for the best defender of the season was very close, but Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk deserves the top spot. At 33 years old and with his contract nearing its end, van Dijk still delivered performances at a very high level. His excellent reading of the game, precise tackling, and dominance in aerial duels remained key strengths throughout the 2024/25 season.

Statistically, van Dijk missed only one Premier League match and played almost every available minute. His numbers for clean sheets, clearances, interceptions, tackles, and duels ranked among the best in the league, showing outstanding consistency. His ability to control play with accurate long passes and through balls became an important part of Liverpool’s style, creating counter-attacking chances for wingers like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz.

Most importantly, van Dijk’s influence lies in his mentality. He has long been seen as the team’s leader, lifting morale in difficult moments. With these achievements, he was selected for the PFA Team of the Year and remains one of the best central defenders in the world.

2. William Saliba (Arsenal)

Right behind van Dijk is William Saliba, the Arsenal center-back. In the 2024/25 season, Saliba continued to prove he is among the best central defenders in world football. Despite a minor injury, he still played 35 matches for Arsenal, all as a starter. The French defender played a key role in helping Arsenal record the fewest goals conceded in the league.

Saliba’s defensive numbers were slightly lower than van Dijk’s, partly because Arsenal often controlled matches, limiting the need for constant defensive actions. However, when called upon, Saliba delivered strong interceptions and tackles. He also showed discipline, receiving only two yellow cards and one direct red card during the season.

3. Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)

Saliba’s regular defensive partner, Gabriel Magalhães, also had an excellent season. While Saliba often played the role of a sweeper, Gabriel acted as a more aggressive center-back, stepping forward to win the ball. Despite featuring in only 28 matches, he showed impressive form. His aerial duel win rate reached 68.9%, and his overall duel success rate was 65.8%. His clearances, interceptions, and tackles were among the highest for defenders in the league.

Gabriel also contributed in attack, completed 113 long passes and was a major threat from set pieces. Last season, Arsenal used corner kicks very effectively. With both Saliba and Gabriel strong in the air, Arsenal scored many goals from these situations and became one of the most dangerous teams in the league from set pieces.

4. Joško Gvardiol (Man City)

In a difficult season for Manchester City, marked by injuries and heavy defensive pressure, Joško Gvardiol stood out as one of the best performers. The Croatian defender played 37 Premier League matches in 2024/25, starting 36 and scoring five goals, an impressive number for a left-back. His clearances, tackles, and interceptions were consistently among the highest in the squad, showing his impact in both defense and attack.

In Guardiola's system, Gvardiol often inverted or pushed high up the pitch near the opponent’s penalty area, adding a dynamic element rarely seen from defenders in the league. He showed strong ball control and powerful long-range shooting. With a pass accuracy of 92%, he became a reliable option to escape pressing, especially when Rodri was sidelined for the entire season through injury and Kevin De Bruyne struggled with fitness problems.

5. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

In his final season with Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a strong campaign. While not as explosive as during 2018 to 2020, he remained an important figure in the team. His attacking ability continued to stand out, as he regularly created chances, delivered accurate crosses, and switched play effectively, giving Liverpool a powerful weapon from the right side.

His defensive work, once seen as a weakness, also improved. Under manager Slot, Alexander-Arnold maintained his attacking role but showed better defensive discipline. Support from teammates made his job easier and helped balance the team. After the season, he moved to Real Madrid, a transfer that disappointed many Liverpool fans. Nevertheless, based on his performances, he deserves recognition as one of the best defenders of the 2024/25 season.

Through this article, SoccerWay UK has ranked theTop 5 best defenders in Premier League 2024 to 2025. For more football predictions, please visit our page.