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Centre-backs have seen their skill-set change over the years. Gone are the days of strong, physical players lumping the ball out of play. These days, managers expect their centre-backs to be graceful on the ball, read the game well, and stop attacks as and when needed.
This has resulted in the emergence of the likes of John Stones, Harry Maguire and a certain Virgil van Dijk over the years. The Premier League currently faces a real shortage of top centre-backs. However, this is with the exception of arguably the best centre-back in Europe, Van Dijk.
We look at the 5 best centre-backs in the Premier League this season.
#5 Jack O'Connell | Sheffield United
When Chris Wilder's Sheffield United were promoted last season, much was made of his system; and in particular, the overlapping centre-backs.
Wilder plays with three at the back. Usually it is Jack O'Connell on the left, John Egan in the middle and Chris Basham on the right. O'Connell and Basham often made overlapping runs out wide with the wing-backs tucked inside, often situated in a precise location for a cut-back if needed.
This season, Wilder has continued with his three at the back system. All three defenders have been impressive, but O'Connell has stood out. The former Brentford player has been in fine form this season. The overlapping has continued, and both Basham and O'Connell have made a combined 26 key passes this season. O'Connell has been in good form defensively as well.
The 26-year old has made 33 appearances in the Premier League this season, providing an assist. Strong in the air and a good passer, O'Connell has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
#4 Jonny Evans | Leicester City
One Leicester City centre-back has received the majority of plaudits this season; and it hasn't been Jonny Evans. Caglar Soyuncu's performances in the first half of the season resulted in him being linked with Manchester City. However, it is his partner Evans who has been more consistent across the season.
A veteran defender, Evans has spent his entire footballing career in the Premier League. When he left Manchester United for West Bromwich Albion, not much was made of it. However, Evans' performances with the Baggies resulted in persistent links with Manchester City. He finally moved to Leicester City in 2018 for a fee of £3.5 million, after West Brom were relegated.
A ball-playing centre-back, the 32-year old has been everpresent this season for the Foxes. He has been the calmer presence in the backline, when compared to the hot-headed Soyuncu. In 37 appearances in the Premier League this season, he averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game. He also managed 4.5 clearances per game, while attempting three long balls.
The Northern Ireland international is enjoying a renaissance in his career, and deservedly so.
Also check out: the Premier League Winners by season
#3 Conor Coady | Wolves
Captain of the Wolverhampton Wanderers, Conor Coady has been a vital part of the Wolves defense ever since he joined the club in 2015.
The former Liverpool player has been one of the first names on the teamsheet for manager Nuno Espirito Santo. An intelligent defender with good passing ability, Coady has formed a good centre-back partnership with Willy Boly. Capable of playing as a right-back or a defensive midfielder if needed, the 27-year old's versatility is useful for his manager.
There have been calls to include him in the England setup, especially with the form of Harry Maguire and John Stones this season. Given his performances, a call-up for Gareth Southgate's side doesn't too seem far away.
This season he has made 37 appearances in the Premier League. He manages 1.6 tackles and interceptions per game, averaging an astounding 7.8 long balls.
#2 Joe Gomez | Liverpool
Joe Gomez joined Liverpool from Charlton Athletic in 2015 for a fee of £3.5 million. Given his performances for Liverpool since then, it is fair to say that Liverpool have already received full value for their transfer fee.
Gomez has formed a fine defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence. The 23-year is a strong passer, an attribute that he shares with his Dutch defensive partner. Capable of playing as a right-back, Gomez also offers versatility if needed.
The England international is also renowned for his athleticism and strength and has been compared to Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand. This season, he has made 26 appearances in the Premier League. He averaged 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, also managing 3.7 long balls per game.
Gomez looks set to enjoy a bright future in the game.
#1 Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool
Who else could it have been at #1 other than Liverpool's rock in defence? Virgil van Dijk is arguably the best centre-back in the world right now. The Netherlands international has been sensational since moving from Southampton for a fee of £75 million in January 2018.
Van Dijk's passing ability and his aerial prowess are well-renowned. With his looming physical presence, as well as pace and strength, the 29-year old has bested many top attackers. He is also a very intelligent player, and van Dijk's ability to read the game has often prevented many attacks from succeeding.
The former Celtic centre-back is at the peak of his powers, and Liverpool are the benefactors. This season he has made 36 appearances in the league, scoring four goals and providing an assist. He managed 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game, also averaging 5.5 long balls per game.
Van Dijk is also an excellent leader and is the captain of the Netherlands national team.
Also Read: Top 10 midfielders in La Liga this season (2019/20)
