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Sir Alex Ferguson once remarked, "attack wins you games, defence wins you titles." And if arguably the greatest manager of all time claims so, it is very hard to disagree.
Managers these days are willing to spend a lot of money on defenders, as is evident from the hefty amounts paid for Virgil van Dijk and John Stones by Liverpool and Manchester City respectively. However important full-backs may be, it is the centre-backs who form the core of any defence in the world and are extremely crucial for the success of their respective teams.
The Premier League too is blessed to have many top class centre-backs who will be immensely important to their teams come the season. Here we rank the top 5 centre-backs in the Premier League.
#5 Toby Alderweireld
A rock in the centre of the Spurs defence, the Belgian has come leaps and bounds ever since joining Tottenham and has formed a formidable partnership with countryman Jan Vertonghen, the pair widely regarded as the best centre-back duo in the Premier League. A strong, physical and imposing centre-back, Alderweireld has become an extremely important player for Mauricio Pochettino over the last two or three seasons, thwarting the best of attacks and helping Tottenham to Champions League qualification.
Alderweireld has been strongly linked with a move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, with Jose Mourinho known to be a huge fan of the Belgian. But if Spurs are to go one step further and lift any major trophies this season, they need to keep hold of one of their prized assets. Alderweireld missed a large chunk of last season with a hamstring injury, and it was glaringly obvious that the Spurs defence wasn't the same without him. Spurs fans would be hoping that the club would reject any offers from Manchester United for the burly Belgian as he is one of the vital cogs in the team.
#4: Cesar Azpilicueta:
Mr. Reliable. The Spaniard has been a brilliant servant for Chelsea over the years and has been a major reason why Chelsea have lifted the Premier League title two times in the last four seasons. A dependable player both at Centre back and Full Back, Azpilicueta has been renowned for his versatility and has been a regular in the starting eleven for both Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
Apart from being a superb defender, the Spaniard is also known to create an impact on the other side of the pitch, providing 6 assists last season and combining brilliantly with compatriot Alvaro Morata. He will undoubtedly be a vital player for new manager Maurico Sarri, and might be given the captain's armband, with Gary Cahill no longer expected to be an automatic starter. Sarri would be hoping to get the best of out of the man fondly known as "Dave" and also reject advances from clubs like Barcelona and Juventus who were known to be interested in him.
#3: Vincent Kompany:
Captain, Leader, Legend! "Big Vinny" would have been top of the list if not for his persisting injury problems, but still deserves a place in the top 5, just because of the influence he can have when fit. A crucial cog in Manchester City's success over the years, Kompany has been an absolute mountain in defence for the Blues, and played a big part in last season's title win under Pep Guardiola.
Although muscle injuries have hampered his career over the last few seasons, Kompany still remains a sensational Centre Half when fit and strong. Pep Guardiola understands that age is catching up with the Belgian, and has been managing his workload accordingly. That he is the first choice Centre Back when fit ahead of the likes of John Stones and Aymeric Laporte says a lot about the quality that Kompany possesses, and although his time at the top might be coming to an end, he would be hoping to lead City to Champions League glory before ending his illustrative career.
#2: Virgil Van Dijk:
That Liverpool shelled out £75 million on the former Saints man is enough evidence about how good he is, and he has not disappointed the Anfield faithful, being rock solid in the Centre of the defence and forming a great partnership with Dejan Lovren, the two being crucial in Liverpool reaching the Champions League final last season.
The Dutchman has all the attributes of a top-class Centre Back, strong, good in the air and has great ball playing ability. His arrival has transformed a generally shaky Liverpool backline, and his great leadership qualities haven't gone unnoticed, with Liverpool fans calling for him to be the captain this season. With Liverpool having formed a formidable squad this season, the fans have already been dreaming about title glory under Jurgen Klopp and for that to happen, Van Dijk needs to be fit and in top form.
#1: Jan Vertonghen:
An obvious choice at the top of this list, the Belgian's consistent performances over the last few seasons have not gone unnoticed by fans and experts, and he is widely regarded as the best Centre Back in the Premier League. The 31-year-old has been an extremely dependable player for his boss Mauricio Pochettino and has been crucial in Spurs' success in recent years (albeit without any trophies). Vertonghen also helped the Belgian side to third place in the FIFA World Cup 2018, and has been extremely reliable in the centre of the defence, rarely putting a foot wrong and driving his team forward with his great passing ability from the back.
While his inclusion at the top of this list might raise a few eyebrows, it is about time we acknowledge what a great centre back Vertonghen is, the Belgian forming a superb partnership with Toby Alderweireld and being part of a Spurs defence that is considered the meanest in the league. If Spurs are to fill up their trophy cabinet this season, they would be hoping Vertonghen stays injury free and in the same kind of form that earned him a place in last time's team of the season.
