Premier League defenders will now be looking to step forward and become the 2020/21 Premier League’s best defender after the injury to Virgil van Dijk.
The fact is that Virgil van Dijk has arguably been the best centre back in the Premier League since his move to Liverpool in 2018. That was evident with van Dijk being crowned PFA Player of the Year for the 2018/19 season.
As a result of his sheer dominance, many top-quality centre backs have been overlooked within the league.
So with that in mind, I have created a list of centre backs who I think can be the best in the league in this season.
Aymeric Laporte
The Frenchman has been considered the second-best centre back in the League behind van Dijk.
It was believed that the two would battle it out to be the best when they both arrived at their current clubs.
However, injures have had an impact on Laporte’s time at Manchester City. But with his injury issues appearing to be behind him, will we now see the best of Laporte?
Joe Gomez
This may be the most important season of Joe Gomez’s Liverpool career. The 23-year-old has built a near perfection relationship with van Dijk since the Dutchman’s arrival.
There has been a feeling amongst neutral fans that van Dijk is so good that anyone could play alongside him.
But if he can show enough confidence to lead a defence to back to back titles, this could be a stellar season.
Conor Coady
The 27-year old has been quietly going about his business since Wolves were promoted back in 2018.
He has recently become a senior English international after impressing Gareth Southgate during his time at Wolves.
The change of position from midfield to defence gives Coady an edge over other centre backs.
His ability to be calm on the ball and distribute well could be enough to stand out from the rest.
Thiago Silva
The veteran defender has not had the easiest start to life at Chelsea.
However, he has only featured in four games so far this season. His experience will be invaluable to Lampard’s men and where they finish the season.
If he can help his side close the gap on Liverpool and Manchester City, he has to be in conversation even at the age of 36.
Toby Alderweireld
The final player on my list is Tottenham’s Belgian defender. His first few seasons in the league were a success, with his side mounting two title challenges with him in the side. He does appear to be showing that form again under Jose Mourinho.
He is the most experienced player in that Spurs backline. The use of that experience could lead his side to success this season.
