The best centre-back partnerships need a complementary blend of attributes and the Premier League is home to some commanding combinations right now.
Central defenders require power, presence, nous and bravery, enabling them to dominate duels against opposition forwards. Modern footballing trends have also required defenders to be better on the ball than ever before, increasing the already difficult demands.
We’ve attempted to rank the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League right now.
Ranking the best centre-back partnerships in the Premier League
5. Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic – Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest have exceeded expectations to shake up the table over the season’s opening weeks. Pre-season predictors tipped the Tricky Trees for a dogfight but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are flying high in third.
The success of the side has been built on a brilliant partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic in central defence.
A first Brazil call-up. 🇧🇷
We are delighted for you, Murillo! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2fjXNsJjW4
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) November 1, 2024
The former is a bullish presence who has earned a first call-up for Brazil this week and boasts the sort of promise that could see big bids arrive at the City Ground. Milenkovic, meanwhile, has been one of the Signings of the Season. Snapped up from Fiorentina in the summer, he’s shown all the qualities that saw him reach back-to-back European finals with La Viola. Only Liverpool (6) have conceded fewer goals than Forest (7) this season.
4. John Stones and Ruben Dias – Manchester City
Placing any centre-back duo from the four-in-a-row champions this far down the list might be sinful, but do Manchester City even have a first-choice partnership?
Injuries and rotation has seen Pep Guardiola chop and change at centre-back with John Stones and Ruben Dias – perhaps their best pair – rarely in tandem this season. Getting them both back to form and fitness will determine their season’s ambitions.
3. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven – Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou’s adventurous style may never seen Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven enjoy the protection afforded to others on this list, but there are few more talented centre-back pairs.
Van de Ven’s incredible athleticism is well-documented, while Romero has been a cornerstone of three consecutive major tournament wins for Argentina. Spurs are reliant on their one-against-one qualities to implement a bold defensive plan.
Micky van de Ven’s incredible long-range run and assist for @SpursOfficial against Man Utd 🏃😮💨 pic.twitter.com/ktJl4F8JSB
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 2, 2024
2. William Saliba and Gabriel – Arsenal
William Saliba and Gabriel have helped transform Arsenal into one of Europe’s meanest sides.
The Gunners have boasted the best defensive record in the Premier League over the last two seasons, a record in large part thanks to the heart of their defence.
Saliba’s effortless aura has earned the inevitable Rolls-Royce nickname, while Gabriel has emerged as one of the Premier League’s most consistent centre-backs alongside him. Mikel Arteta will hope their partnership can be the springboard to elusive silverware.
1. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate take the top spot following a superb start to the season.
Konate began the campaign out of the side but a half-time introduction on the opening weekend has kickstarted the best form of the Frenchman’s career with the club. Commanding in the air and quick across the ground, his channel defending allows Trent Alexander-Arnold the freedom to create further forward.
Aerial duel win rate in the Premier League this season:
Ibrahima Konaté – 82.25% (26/32)
Virgil van Dijk – 72.55% (37/51)Dominant 👊 pic.twitter.com/pF0RZcyLSg
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 3, 2024
Alongside him, Van Dijk remains arguably the benchmark for central defenders in world football. The Dutchman might be 33 but he remains a step ahead of the competition and, crucially, opposition forwards.
