Premier League legendary centre-back Alan Stubbs weighs the debate of the current best three centre-backs in the Premier League.
The Premier League is known as the best and most exciting League in the World, not because of its competition but the caliber of players brought in each summer during the transfer window. The Premier League currently boast of top defenders like Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, Ruben Dias, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristian Romero, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Lazandro Martinez, Lisandro Martínez, and more.
However, Everton and Bolton legend Alan Stubbs believes Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães stand tall among their Premier League compatriots. The former Premier League centre-back crowned Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as the best current in the League, with Arsenal duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães behind him.
Who are Alan Stubbs’ three best defenders in the Premier League?
The 1994–95 PFA Team of the Year member told BestBettingSites.com: “Virgil is a Rolls Royce of a centre-back.
“He ticks all the boxes in everything that you want from a modern-day centre back. He’s quick, he’s strong. He reads the game well, he’s very comfortable on the ball, and he’s a leader.
“I don’t see a huge amount of leaders in the game right now, and I think Virgil is certainly up there with the most authoritative players in the Premier League in terms of leadership skills.
“He plays with a confidence and gravitas that world-class players have, and he’s earned that respect over the years from his fellow professionals.
“He’s the type of defender that lives rent free in the mind of a striker before the whistle even blows because of his amazing ability. He’s a centre-back with fantastic qualities.
“After Virgil, it would have to be William Saliba and Gabriel at Arsenal.
“They have formed the best centre-back pairing in the League and they love keeping clean sheets. They’re the backbone of Arsenal’s team and are one of the reasons why I’ve tipped them to win the title this season.”
There has been debate as to whether Virgil van Dijk is one of the greatest defenders to have ever played in the Premier League; this subject surfaced when he guided Liverpool to end their 30-year drought for their first Premier League title in 2020 and England record sixth Champions League in 2019 all under Jurgen Klopp.
In recent times, the Dutch international received a fair share of criticism for his inconsistency. As the debate continues in your various homes and offices, you can add your view on the three best centre-backs in the Premier League in the comment section.
