Eric Garcia, Saliba, Ruben Dias, Waldemar Anton

Guardians of the game: The centre-backs who dominate the modern game

October 23, 2025 Oliver Obel

There’s never been a better time to appreciate the art of defending. The modern centre-back isn’t just a stopper — he’s a leader, a playmaker, and often the foundation of his team’s identity. From veterans still commanding the world stage to young prodigies redefining the role, these are the twelve defenders who stand above the rest in 2025.

12. Trevoh Chalobah (Chelsea)

After enduring an injury-hit spell and heavy competition at Stamford Bridge, Trevoh Chalobah has fought his way back into the spotlight. His calmness under pressure and adaptability across multiple defensive roles make him one of Chelsea’s most dependable figures. Chalobah’s intelligence on and off the ball allows him to read danger before it develops, while his ball-playing composure suits Chelsea’s modern system. At 26, he’s showing the maturity and consistency to become a permanent fixture in the Blues’ back line.

11. Rúben Dias (Manchester City)

Rúben Dias remains the embodiment of authority at the heart of Manchester City’s defence. While Pep Guardiola’s system often evolves around attacking rotations, Dias provides the unshakable balance that keeps everything intact. His leadership, organisational skills, and ability to marshal a high line make him indispensable. The Portuguese international has set standards for concentration and defensive awareness that few can match, continuing to lead by example in one of the world’s most demanding teams.

10. Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund)

Waldemar Anton’s move to Borussia Dortmund has elevated his reputation to new heights. The German international has slotted seamlessly into Edin Terzić’s system, bringing both authority and stability to the back line. Strong in the air and tactically astute, Anton’s positional discipline allows Dortmund’s attacking players the freedom to express themselves. His leadership and consistency have quickly made him one of the Bundesliga’s standout defenders and a key figure for club and country.

9. Eric García (Barcelona)

Eric Garcia — Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

After a period of doubt about his future, Eric García has quietly rebuilt his reputation at Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick, he’s rediscovered the confidence and calmness that once made him one of Spain’s most promising defenders. His passing from deep and anticipation off the ball fit perfectly within Barça’s philosophy of control and precision. García’s resurgence has reminded everyone that intelligence and composure can be just as valuable as power in the modern game.

8. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)

Twelve years at the top level have done little to dull Marquinhos’ brilliance. PSG’s captain finally got his hands on the Champions League trophy, the crowning moment of a career defined by elegance and dependability. His positioning and timing are second to none, often making defending look effortless. At 31, Marquinhos continues to be the heartbeat of PSG’s back line and a role model for the next generation of defenders.

7. Stefan de Vrij (Inter Milan)

Few defenders in Europe can boast the level of consistency that Stefan de Vrij brings to Inter Milan. The Dutchman may not be the flashiest, but his reliability and positional awareness are elite. De Vrij’s reading of the game allows him to neutralise faster, more physical attackers through sheer intelligence. With age has come even greater composure, and his calm authority remains vital to Inter’s continued success both domestically and in Europe.

6. Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid)

It’s been a rapid rise for Dean Huijsen, the teenage prodigy who has taken Real Madrid and La Liga by storm. His confidence in possession and ability to dictate play from deep have drawn comparisons with the great modern playmakers. Huijsen’s fearlessness in big moments and mature decision-making make him look far beyond his years. If this trajectory continues, he won’t just be a future star — he’ll be a future Ballon d’Or contender.

5. William Saliba (Arsenal)

Saliba’s influence on Arsenal’s defence cannot be overstated. Calm, composed, and technically flawless, he has become the face of a new era under Mikel Arteta. His anticipation and ability to control games from the back have earned him comparisons with the very best in history. Even when sidelined through injury, his absence is felt — proof of just how vital he is to Arsenal’s identity.

4. Willian Pacho (Paris Saint-Germain)

The Ecuadorian sensation has been one of the breakout stars of world football. Willian Pacho’s rapid adaptation to the European game and PSG’s system has been nothing short of remarkable. Strong, composed, and tactically sharp, he’s proven capable of handling any forward in the world. After winning a treble with PSG and starring in South American qualifiers, Pacho looks destined to dominate for years to come.

3. Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)

Bastoni represents the evolution of the modern defender — elegant in possession yet tenacious in duels. His passing range and confidence under pressure make him the perfect fit for Inter’s progressive style. The Italian international reads the game beautifully, breaking lines with ease and defending with calculated aggression. At 26, he’s entering his prime and has already cemented his status among Europe’s elite.

2. Gabriel (Arsenal)

Gabriel Magalhaes — Maciej Rogowski Photo / Shutterstock.com

Gabriel’s transformation over the past two seasons has been astonishing. Once seen as the raw, physical partner to Saliba’s technical brilliance, he’s now Arsenal’s most dependable defender. His leadership, aerial dominance, and discipline have been key to the Gunners’ defensive revolution. Week after week, Gabriel delivers performances that combine power with precision — the mark of a truly elite centre-back.

1. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Even at 34, Virgil van Dijk continues to redefine longevity and excellence. Liverpool’s captain remains an unshakable presence — reading the game like few others and leading with quiet authority. His aerial dominance, flawless positioning, and composure under pressure make him the ultimate defensive benchmark. Carragher calls him one of Liverpool’s “giants,” and it’s hard to disagree: Van Dijk isn’t just one of the best centre-backs of his generation — he’s one of the best of all time.