Top 5 centre-backs in the league this season | Premier League 2019-20

#1 Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk has been dominant for Liverpool this season

Although this list is in no particular order, there is no other place to put Virgil van Dijk apart from the top spot. The transfer fee of £75million raised a few eyebrows when he arrived from Southampton, but the performances that the Dutchman has put in have proved that he was actually a steal at that price. Van Dijk is the crown jewel in a stellar defence, an ever-present who has not missed a single minute of Premier League action and played his part in no less than 12 clean sheets this season. He has also contributed four goals just for good measure.

Whether it’s winning the ball in the air or tackling opponents one-on-one, Van Dijk dominates in all aspects of defending. His physically imposing frame belies his natural ability on the ball - he leads the league in most successful passes as well as most aerial duels won by any defender. What’s more, he even makes his teammates better, not just by setting an example with his own performances but also making himself heard by his teammates on the pitch. In fact, such is the difference that van Dijk has made to Liverpool’s backline since his arrival that his performances have actually thrust him into conversations for the Ballon d’Or, an accolade rarely awarded to defenders.