Some of the game’s greatest defenders have graced the Premier League since its formation back in 1992.
Here’s five of the very best to have shone in the toughest league in the world.
5. Tony Adams
An iconic figure at Arsenal, Tony Adams has gone down as one of the greatest defenders not only at the north London club but in the Premier League as a whole.
The only player to captain a title-winning team across three different decades, Adams was a no-nonsense English centre-back who played over 500 games for the Gunners and made 66 appearances for his country.
Adams liked to chip in with a few goals too, with the Romford-born defender finding the back of the net 32 times for Arsenal during his 19-year spell at the club.
4. Rio Ferdinand
At one point the most expensive defender in the world, Manchester United paid Leeds United £33.3million to sign the talented Rio Ferdinand in 2002.
The England centre-back went on to win six Premier League titles during his successful spell at Old Trafford and also won the Champions League in 2008.
A defender with great feet who had the ability to bring the ball out from the back with style, Ferdinand made 81 appearances for England and was part of the Three Lions’ so-called ‘Golden Generation’.
Although he was not able to help England win any trophies, he picked up plenty of titles at Old Trafford and is clearly one of the best defenders to play in the Premier League.
3. Ashley Cole
Described as one of the best left-backs to ever play the game, Ashley Cole is another deserved addition to our list.
Playing 107 times for England, Cole was another player to enjoy great club success during his time with Arsenal and Chelsea.
Part of the 2003-04 Arsenal ‘Invincibles’ side, Cole was a key man as the Gunners managed to go the entire Premier League season without a defeat on their way to the title before he made a shock move to Stamford Bridge in 2006.
2. Vincent Kompany
A talisman in a time of change at Manchester City, Vincent Kompany captained the Citizens to their first Premier League title in the 2011-12 season.
It was a campaign that the Belgian was also recognised as the Premier League Player of the Season for his performances, while he was named in the PFA Team of the Year on three separate occasions in the English top flight.
Kompany ended his time at City with four Premier League titles to his name and is regarded as a key figure in the most successful spell in the club’s history
1. John Terry
A player with five Premier League winner’s medals, five FA Cups, three League Cups, a Europa League and Champions League title, few can deny John Terry is one of the best defenders to play the game.
Another fierce competitor and leader, Terry was again key for Chelsea in a time of change at Stamford Bridge. Playing 492 times for his beloved Blues, Terry also managed to earn 78 caps for England.
Along with Ferdinand, the pair were a formidable partnership for their country but could not deliver a major trophy for the Three Lions.
But when it comes to the Premier League, there are few better than Terry.
