Top 5 defenders in the Premier League at present

Modified Jul 21, 2020 12:46 GMT

Who are the finest defenders in the EPL right now?

#1 Virgil van Dijk

Is there any defender in the EPL better than this man?

Well, ask any football fan in the world who they think the best centre-back is right now and you will have a substantial portion of them giving you this name. Right from his Southampton days, Virgil van Dijk has been a strong defensive force. He made such an impression in the league that Liverpool were persuaded to smash the record transfer fee for a defender for him.

When he was bought for £75 million, many people sneered at the Reds. Fast forward to now, and van Dijk has gotten them to two Champions League finals, stepping ahead to win the most recent one of the two. Those who jeered Liverpool when they were investing in one of their most prized assets then will be hiding for cover now.

The Dutchman has built on his heroics in the Reds' Champions League triumph last season that earned him a spot on the Ballon d'Or podium. He has forged ahead, starring and impressing in all of Liverpool’s league matches this season.

If come the end of the season, Jurgen Klopp's men are able to clinch the Premier League title, all eyes should turn in the direction of van Dijk and his partners in crime. He has contributed 14 tackles, 22 interceptions, 99 clearances, 16 blocks and won a whopping 101 aerial duels in the 20 games he’s featured in for the Reds this season.

About the author

Jidonu is a European and international football news writer at Sportskeeda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and has around 7 years of previous experience working with the likes of Tribuna and SportRaba, Jidonu has a good eye for detail and has the ability to created cohesive articles, and reporting exploits have also led him to exclusively cover the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the past.

Jidonu’s tryst with football started after watching the 2002 FIFA World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, being mesmerized by Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. Barcelona philosophy and approach towards the game under Pep Guardiola further fueled the burgeoning love for the sport, and he has been a Culer ever since.

Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi is his favorite player and is the one true GOAT for him over Cristiano Ronaldo. The 2022 FIFA World Cup final, where Messi's brace led to La Albiceleste lifting the cup left a lasting impact on him. His love for Messi also sees him follow Major League Soccer apart from Europe’s top five leagues.

In his free time, Jidonu raps and produces music, and also enjoys reading and swimming.

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Edited by Zaid Khan