There have been so many great centre-back partnerships in the history of the Premier League. Partnerships like Vidic and Ferdinand for Manchester United, Terry and Cahill for Chelsea, Sami Hyypia and Stephane Henchoz for Liverpool, and so on. Even the pairing of Tony Adams and Steve Bould for the Gunners was great. Nowadays the centre-back role is a little bit different from the old patterns. Centre-backs defend from high up, play out from the back, and are fast and strong. Well, in this article, the top 5 centre-back partnerships in the Premier League will be revealed and discussed.
5) Jan Paul van Hecke and Lewis Dunk
Brighton & Hove Albion FC
The two have formed a great partnership at the South Coast club. Of course, it entails a mixture of young and old blood. Jan Paul van Hecke has been on the rise in the league as he is one of the bright young defenders.
On the other hand, Lewis Dunk comes with all the experience that his partner can learn from as they continue playing together.
4) Cristian Romero and Micky van De Ven
Tottenham Hotspurs FC
The Spurs contingent have only spent one full season together but have quickly understood each other perfectly. They are just the perfect combination at the back for the North Londoners. Micky van De Ven’s pace is effective and helps clear out dangers on time, while Romero stabilizes when called upon.
Tottenham struggled to have a consistent backline after Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen left the club. However, they look rather settled now with this top pairing at the back.
3) Ruben Dias and Manuel Akanji
Manchester City FC
Of recent, Manchester City has played with three centre-backs but we have picked out two who have performed together longer. Manuel Akanji has formed a great partnership with Ruben Dias at the back for the Cityzens.
The pair have since bagged 2 Premier League titles while playing together. Although John Stones has played some games at the back too, he hasn’t played enough to be enlisted here.
2) Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate
Liverpool FC
The Liverpool centre-backs have been constantly displaying monstrous performances at the back since they started playing together. Of course, Virgil van Dijk is arguably the best defender in the world, but his partner also delivers top performances.
Liverpool seems to be more in control of situations at the back when these two big men start. Under new boss, Arne Slot. they have continued playing brilliantly.
1) William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães
Arsenal FC
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have been superb in the Gunners’ backline for the past two and a half seasons. They have gotten loads of clean sheets, scored so many goals, haunted so many strikers, and they do not look like stopping any time soon.
How these defenders co-ordinate affairs at the back is so brilliant and they have truly been the backbone of the Gunners‘ recent uprise. They would be looking to add trophies to their amazing performances this season.
However, if they are currently the best even without trophies, you can imagine what they will be when they get their hands on them.
Other Articles;
