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The Premier League has some rock-solid defenders right now and that does not come as a surprise. Historically, the league has possessed some of the finest defenders in the world and it continues to do so.
The likes of Jaap Stam, Nemanja Vidic, John Terry, Sol Campbell and many others made defending look so easy. They are players of high stature who have defined the high standards in the Premier League.
Premier League defenders have performed better with age
Some of the Premier League defenders right now have done well on a consistent basis too. It is observed that with time, these defenders have only improved with more experience under that belt.
On that note, let's take a look at the best defenders in the league above the age of 30 at the moment:
Honorable mention: Joel Matip (Liverpool)
#5 Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United)
Coming through the ranks of Tranmere Rovers, Aaron Cresswell was impressive from the very beginning. He joined Ipswich Town in 2011 before arriving in the Premier League with West Ham United in 2014.
Since then the Englishman has been a regular face with the Hammers. Cresswell is a fine defender who primarily plays as a left-back but has also played as a left wing-back and left centre-back. He's quite an attacking threat on the left with his amazing crosses using his sweet left foot.
The 31-year old has been unlucky not to win anything significant with West Ham United but under David Moyes they look like a team likely to win silverware. Cresswell has so far scored nine goals and recorded 23 assists in his 233 Premier League appearances for West Ham. Considering his longevity in England's top-flight, he narrowly edges out Joel Matip on this list.
#4 Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker was first introduced to the Premier League when Tottenham Hotspur signed him in 2009 from Sheffield United. In six seasons with Spurs, the English defender went on to become one of the league's best right-backs.
This helped him earn a move to Manchester City in 2017 to play under Pep Guardiola. With the Cityzens, Walker has done very well, performing consistently on the right. His blistering pace and amazing attacking play from the right has helped the Manchester club on multiple occasions.
The 31-year old has won the Premier League title thrice with Manchester City. After the arrival of Joao Cancelo, Walker has faced good competition for a place in the starting eleven but he has managed to put up a strong fight.
#3 Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
Considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation, Thiago Silva surprised many when he joined Premier League giants Chelsea in 2020. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) shockingly allowed him to leave on a free without even having any contract talks.
Nevertheless, the move worked out well for both Thiago Silva and the Premier League club. Chelsea desperately needed a leader at the back and the Brazilian has done exactly that. He has rallied the troops well and despite a few injuries, his arrival has certainly helped the Blues.
With his strong defending, amazing aerial abilities and intelligence on the pitch, Silva has been a key player for Thomas Tuchel. Chelsea have had a good start to the Premier League and with the Brazilian as their backbone, they will be hoping to win it by the end of the season.
#2 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
One of the Premier League's most consistent players in the last decade has to be Cesar Azpilicueta. The Spaniard is also one of the most versatile players in the league right now.
Arriving from Marseille in 2012, the Spanish defender has been a regular player for Chelsea irrespective of the manager or the formation used. Azpilicueta can play as a right-back, right wing-back, centre-back and also as a left-back. His versatility has given more reliability and options to the manager at the helm, which is not something every player can provide.
In his 305 Premier League appearances for the London club, Azpilicueta has scored nine goals and recorded 35 assists. It is a phenomenal record considering his position has changed time and again. To date, the Spaniard remains an underrated defender.
#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
The 30-year old has been a revelation in the Premier League, especially since he joined Liverpool in 2018. But Virgil van Dijk first arrived in England when he signed for Southampton.
The Dutch defender has been a rock at the back for the Reds ever since he signed for them. His presence has stabilized the defense and provided a lot of relaxation for goalkeeper Alisson Becker. Van Dijk has not only been aggressive but also smart with his decision-making at the back.
Jurgen Klopp has relied a lot on the Dutchman's presence and it was evident why they struggled last season in his absence due to injury. Van Dijk played a massive role in helping Liverpool win the 2019-20 Premier League season, scoring five goals and playing in all 38 matches. That season, the Reds conceded only 33 goals, keeping 13 cleansheets in the process. He also won the Champions League in 2019, finishing second in the race for the Ballon d'Or in the same year.
