Premier League 2021-22: Ranking the 5 most promising centre-back pairings

#2 Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta - Chelsea

Aston Villa v Chelsea - Premier League

Chelsea finished with the second-best defensive record last season, only conceding 36 goals. A lot of credit for that can be given to head coach Thomas Tuchel, who changed the team’s defensive fortunes around. Since the German took over, the Blues have ranked first in clean sheets, least goals conceded, big chances conceded, and shots in the box conceded.

The crucial change that Tuchel made was to alter Chelsea’s defensive system from a back 4 to a back 3, which meant that the team would now play with three centre-halves. Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger formed the backline for the Blues as they went on to win the UEFA Champions League and finish as runners-up in the FA Cup against Leicester City.

Overall, Chelsea’s new system helped maximize the talent in the team. It gave Reece James and Ben Chilwell the freedom to put more focus on their attacking responsibilities and allow the back 3 to shoulder most of the defensive burden. On their day, and for much of last season, they proved to be a formidable backline.

#1 Ruben Dias and John Stones - Manchester City

Manchester United v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Semi Final

The defending champions head into the 2021-22 Premier League season with the best defensive pairing in the Premier League. In their first 17 games together, Ruben Dias and John Stones scored more goals (5) than they conceded (4).

By season's end, the duo had 13 clean sheets in the 19 Premier League games that they played together - the best return from any centre-back pairing in the division. Not only are they solid at the back, but they provide a consistent goal threat.

The pairing was so formidable last season that they both secured a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year alongside fellow teammates Joao Cancelo, Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan. Stones has spoken very highly of the impact that Dias made when he joined, and will look no further than the aforementioned accolades that the Portuguese international won in his first campaign for the Cityzens.

City are favorites to retain the Premier League title this season, so you can expect Stones and Dias to continue the form that was instrumental to their team’s success last season.