5 best centre-back duos in the Premier League right now (2021)

#3 Antonio Rudiger - Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Premier League

Chelsea under Thomas Tuchel prefer to play with three centre-backs. However, the impact of Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger on the Chelsea defense cannot be underestated.

Rudiger, before Tuchel's arrival, looked set to leave the club. The Germany international had joined Chelsea from Roma in 2017 for £31.5 million. While he produced some good performances, the appointment of Frank Lampard reduced his minutes. Tuchel changed that and made him an important part of the Chelsea defense.

Silva, on the other hand, was regarded as one of the best centre-backs in world football during his prime. The 37-year old joined the club on a free transfer last summer and has surprised everyone with his performances. He has adapted quickly to the Premier League and is one of the best centre-backs in England right now.

Both Rudiger and Silva are physically gifted players. They are comfortable with the ball at their feet as well. Tuchel has options at centre-back, with Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah all available. Silva and Rudiger, however, are important fixtures in Chelsea's backline. They started in the Champions League final last season, which the Blues won.

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#2 Raphael Varane - Harry Maguire (Manchester United)

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Manchester United - Premier League

One of the many issues highlighted for Manchester United last season was the lack of pace in their starting centre-backs.

Neither Victor Lindelof nor Harry Maguire are renowned for their speed. Lindelof was often criticized for lacking physicality as well. While buying a centre-back this summer was not extremely important, the availability of Raphael Varane forced Manchester United to act.

Varane is one of the most decorated centre-backs in world football right now. A World Cup and four-time Champions League winner, the 28-year old wanted a new challenge, and targeted the Premier League. Manchester United came calling, and the France international immediately added elegance, pace and assurance to the Red Devils' backline.

Maguire, on the other hand, is the most expensive centre-back in world football. The England international is the captain of Manchester United, and one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Aerially dominant and excellent on the ball, the 28-year old has already formed a strong partnership with Varane.

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#1 Joel Matip - Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Liverpool FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Premier League

Liverpool's injury woes last season have been well-covered. Jurgen Klopp had to make do without three of his starting centre-backs for much of the 2020/21 season.

Virgil van Dijk was comfortably the best centre-back in the world before his serious injury last year. The Netherlands international has recovered well though, and has slotted straight into Liverpool's backline once again in the Premier League. There was some rustiness initially, but the 30-year old is clearly getting back to his dominant best.

Before the start of the season, there was debate as to who would partner Van Dijk in the Premier League. Joel Matip and Joe Gomez had both recovered from their injuries as well. Liverpool had also signed French centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36 million in the summer.

So far, Matip has been preferred. The Cameroon international has had his issues with injuries, but he has been excellent this season. Matip is a strong defender, with good athleticism. The 30-year old is a fan favorite among the Liverpool faithful, who hope that he can stay fit and continue producing top-quality displays.

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