With Antonio Rudiger joining Chelsea and Victor Lindelof joining Manchester United for substantial amounts, we thought it’s time to look at the five greatest centre-back pairings to have graced the Premier League.
Not only are defensive tactics wonderful to watch – see Atletico Madrid under Diego Simeone and Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho – but they often go unnoticed too. Most of the time, if a team wins the Premier League, then fans and pundits alike will praise the attack.
However, defensive players deserve just as much praise. As the age old saying goes: “You can’t lose if you don’t concede,” which is 100 percent true. We’ve seen some great centre-back pairings in football around the world, but here are the best five that have played in the Premier League.
#5 Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia
Perhaps not a partnership many wouldn’t relate to, given that they failed to win a Premier League title. However, Stephane Henchoz and Sami Hyypia had a telepathic understanding like no other.
Although not the Premier League, the 2000/01 season saw the duo have a say in Liverpool’s treble season, winning the UEFA Cup, FA Cup and League Cup under Gerard Houllier.
For the height that they possessed – equivalent of Per Mertesacker today – the pair were extremely confident on the ball, whilst having the mental capacity to not dive into tackles like some modern-day footballers.
Forming a partnership that spanned three years, Henchoz then paved the way for a certain Jamie Carragher to cement himself alongside Hyypia.
#4 Sol Campbell and Kolo Toure
Former England and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell once said that Kolo Toure was worth his weight in gold. The Ivorian is certainly one of the most underrated defenders to wear the famous red and white. Starting out at as a defensive midfielder, Arsene Wenger made the bold decision to move Toure to central defence, where he would partner Campbell for the 2003/04 season. And what a year that was to remember for Arsenal fans.
During that season, the duo had conceded just 12 Premier League goals in 19 games, whilst going unbeaten for the whole league campaign. Toure’s pace and power made the Ivorian a standout performer for the Gunners that season.
"Kolo has been fantastic. He's come in and proved to be worth his weight in gold,” said Campbell. “He's adapted well to the position and gone from strength to strength. Everybody looked at why we didn't buy any players last summer but we're happy at how things have gone.”
#3 Tony Adams and Steve Bould
“One-nil, to the Arsenal,” as the old chant goes. Known for their defensive stability under George Graham, the Gunners were a tough team to beat. Part of that reason was down to the central defence – Tony Adams and Steve Bould.
The duo had been playing together since 1988 which showed by the time Arsene Wenger arrived. Adams was already an England international and playing at the pinnacle of his career which led to the league and cup double in the 1997/98 campaign.
Strong in the tackle, forwards feared this partnership. The no nonsense defenders were most certainly a force to be reckoned with.
No matter who plays at the back for Arsenal, they will always be likened to Tony Adams and Steve Bould. Had they still been in their prime, they’d make the team in today’s game.
#2 Ricardo Carvalho and John Terry
Prior to Ricardo Carvalho’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, John Terry was struggling to find his partner at the back. Marcel Desailly was ageing, Robert Huth was young and couldn’t be relied upon, and so William Gallas was inconsistent.
During his first season in charge of Chelsea, Jose Mourinho brought in Carvalho from his former side, FC Porto. After winning the Champions League with the Portuguese club, the central defender became a welcome addition at Stamford Bridge.
Mourinho managed Chelsea to the Premier League title in his first season. Part of this was no doubt down to Carvalho and Terry. The duo conceded just 15 league goals during the 2004/05 campaign whilst striking a working relationship.
The following year, the duo shipped just 22 league goals. Carvalho added balance to the Chelsea back-line whilst the grit and determination of Terry made this a formidable partnership.
#1 Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic
Winning three consecutive league titles with Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic being paired at the back will go down as one of the greatest in both Manchester United and Premier League history. Not to mention they had Edwin van der Sar between the posts.
The duo could read the game well whilst having a great understanding of each other and knowing where the other one is. It wasn’t very often Ferdinand and Vidic made a mistake.
Known for brute force, their first campaign together in 2006/07 saw the duo concede just 27 league goals, which ultimately won them their 16th English title. The following season, Ferdinand and Vidic conceded just 22 Premier League goals as they went on to retain their title. Outstanding partnership to say the least.
Compared to the pairing of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling last season at Manchester United, it’s fair to say that it’s far behind that of Ferdinand and Vidic.
