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10 Best Premier League Centre-Backs Ever Ranked by Richards & Shearer

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Summary

  • Micah Richards and Alan Shearer both had the same players in their top three but in different orders.
  • Shearer described his top pick, Tony Adams, as the best defender he played against during his career.
  • John Terry got the nod from Richards, who praised the Chelsea legend’s goal-scoring prowess.

Football fans love a debate over the best players from eras gone by, and a discussion around the best centre-backs in Premier League history is one that has the potential to take up hours of people’s time at pubs up and down the UK.

The usual candidates like John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Vincent Kompany and Virgil van Dijk are always mentioned in such discussions, and all four players feature in lists of the top 10 centre-backs in Premier League history chosen by title-winning duo Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in an episode of the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast.

Alan Shearer’s Top 10

Tony Adams, Arsenal

Former Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho ranks 10th in Alan Shearer’s list of the best Premier League centre-backs of all time. Carvalho spent six seasons at Chelsea between 2004 and 2010, winning three Premier Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups. Shearer said:

“He was only quite small but he could put a crunching tackle in, he had a nasty side to him. There are a lot of these players that you think of and then think of their partner, he was obviously partnered with John Terry which was a great partnership.”

A Manchester United pair took the eighth and ninth spots in Shearer’s rankings, with Jaap Stam ranking one place higher than Gary Pallister. Former Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly came in at seventh on Shearer’s list. The 1998 World Cup winner won European Cups with Marseille and AC Milan early on in his career before he joined Chelsea in 1998, staying at the club for six seasons and helping them to win the FA Cup in 2000. Shearer said of Desailly:

“In terms of what you need as a defender – quick, good in the air, agile, could tackle – he was a brilliant player,. Him and Leboeuf were the partnership at Chelsea and he asked me once why I would never go and stand on him and I said ‘well why would I come and stand on you when I can stand on Frank?’. But I reminded him of that when I turned him at St James’ Park and launched one in from 30 yards out.”

Marcel Desailly in action for Chelsea.

Nemanja Vidic comes in at sixth for Shearer, with Manchester City stalwart Vincent Kompany in fifth. “He was a winner,” Shearer said. “He came in when it (the situation at City) wasn’t so good and saw it all through, the managers stuck with him and realised what he had and what he brought to the club – that tells you everything you need to know about him.”

Virgil van Dijk has won the lot since joining Liverpool from Southampton in 2018, hoisting the Premier League on two ocassions, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups, and he ranks fourth in Shearer’s list. “He’s a game changer for Liverpool – he took them to where they wanted to go,” the former England striker said.

Shearer’s top three was composed entirely of England defenders, with Rio Ferdinand in third, John Terry in second, and Tony Adams taking top spot. Shearer described Ferdinand as a “Rolls Royce of a centre-half”, while saying Terry could easily adapt to the demands of the modern. Of Arsenal great Adams, Shearer said:

“I would come off with cut eyes, a broken nose and cut lip after a game against him, but always shake hands… He was an unbelievable leader, organiser, tackler, he could play as well, he was tough. The best centre-half I’ve ever played against.”

Alan Shearer’s all-time top 10 Premier League centre-halves

Position

Player

Club(s)

Appearances

Titles

10th

Ricardo Carvalho

Chelsea

135

3

9th

Gary Pallister

Manchester United, Middlesbrough

261

4

8th

Jaap Stam

Manchester United

79

3

7th

Marcel Desailly

Chelsea

158

0

6th

Nemanja Vidic

Manchester United

211

5

5th

Vincent Kompany

Manchester City

265

4

4th

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton, Liverpool

317

2

3rd

Rio Ferdinand

West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers

504

6

2nd

John Terry

Chelsea

492

5

1st

Tony Adams

Arsenal

255

2

alan-shearer-and-micah-richards-ranked-premier-league_s-10-greatest-english-players_720


10 Greatest English Players in Premier League History Ranked by Shearer & Richards

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Micah Richards’ Top 10

John Terry with the Premier League trophy

Micah Richards has Desailly three places lower than Shearer, with the Frenchman ranked 10th, and there’s another ex-Chelsea player in ninth. Richards said of Ricardo Carvalho:

“We have these perceptions of what these players should look like, someone like Rio Ferdinand, who is so elegant on the eye, whereas Carvalho wasn’t. But he won three Premier League titles at Chelsea so he’s a top player. Sometimes our eyes can play tricks on us – he really was a fantastic footballer.”

Richards had United trio Gary Pallister, Jaap Stam and Nemanja Vidic in eighth, seventh and sixth respectively, with Richards saying of Stam: “Amazing numbers in terms of titles and appearances, but he’s not someone I would look up to and think I want to play like him.”

Richards was equally unenthusiastic about Vidic’s game, saying: “He was a top player but Fernando Torres always used to have him on toast. I just believe that some of the players I’ve put above him had a bit more in terms of both aspects to their games.” Virgil van Dijk was ranked fifth, with Richards’ former Manchester City teammate Vincent Kompany in fourth. He said said:

“Sir Vincent Kompany – we [Manchester City] played at Hamburg in pre-season and he played as a number 10. He was doing tricks, stepovers and had great feet – we signed him. One of his first games he was ridiculously good in midfield, spraying passes about. In the games after it was just ‘good’ – he could do a good job in there but there was a game against Arsenal when his touch was awful and after that he went to centre-back and when he did that I thought ‘wow’ – he was the best defender I’ve ever seen.

Vincent Kompany

“He’s a real leader. He can be selfish at times, he is a perfectionist and if you don’t do things at his level he takes things to heart. When he first came to the club under Hughes we were a shambles. Kompany was a major part of taking the club to the next level when the new owners came in. He can be a bit serious at times, but he was doing it because he wanted to be the best.”

Richards had Rio Ferdinand one place higher than Shearer, ranking him second, with John Terry taking top spot. Richards praised Ferdinand for his quality on the ball, but said Terry’s goalscoring record was the decisive factor when choosing between the pair at the top of the rankings. Richards added:

“His (Terry’s) record is ridiculous – 41 goals – that’s what just tipped it over the edge for me. I couldn’t pick between him and Rio. If I was watching a game I would go towards Rio, because he looked more elegant, but the goals tipped it for me.”

Micah Richards’ all-time top 10 Premier League centre-halves

Position

Player

Clubs

Appearances

Titles

10th

Marcel Desailly

Chelsea

158

0

9th

Ricardo Carvalho

Chelsea

135

3

8th

Gary Pallister

Manchester United, Middlesbrough

261

4

7th

Jaap Stam

Manchester United

79

3

6th

Nemanja Vidic

Manchester United

211

5

5th

Virgil van Dijk

Southampton, Liverpool

317

2

4th

Vincent Kompany

Manchester City

265

4

3rd

Tony Adams

Arsenal

255

2

2nd

Rio Ferdinand

West Ham United, Leeds United, Manchester United, Queens Park Rangers

504

6

1st

John Terry

Chelsea

492

5

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Wrexham and Coventry Eyeing Move to Sign Everton’s Mark Travers

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Coventry City and Wrexham are both interested in signing Everton goalkeeper Mark Travers in the summer transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources, with his release clause now revealed.

Travers made the move to Everton last summer from Bournemouth, signing a four-year deal to keep him tied down until June 2029.

The Republic of Ireland international came in as the number two goalkeeper for Jordan Pickford, spending last season predominantly watching on from the bench.

Travers made just two appearances for the club last term, with both of those coming in the Carabao Cup.

With Pickford likely to remain the number one option between the sticks for the Toffees’ next campaign, it could be an opportunity for Travers to head through the exit door.


david moyes


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Everton are set to sign two players from Chelsea

Duo Eyeing Everton Goalkeeper

Mark Travers

According to GIVEMESPORT sources, both Coventry City and Wrexham are showing an interest in signing Everton goalkeeper Travers in the summer transfer window.

Travers is believed to have a release clause in his contract worth around £4m, meaning Everton have no say in allowing him to depart if either of the clubs decide to pay that figure.

The Republic of Ireland international arrived at Everton for a fee believed to be in the region of £4m, according to the Liverpool Echo, meaning Everton are likely to make their money back if they do offload him.

Despite showing an interest in signing Travers this summer, GIVEMESPORT understands that Coventry’s top target remains Brighton goalkeeper Karl Rushworth.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Coventry, helping Frank Lampard’s side gain promotion to the Premier League.

England World Cup Quiz

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Exit Could be Beneficial to Travers

AFC Bournemouth's Mark Travers fouls Arsenal's Kai Havertz
Premier League – Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth – Emirates Stadium, London, Britain – May 4, 2024 AFC Bournemouth’s Mark Travers fouls Arsenal’s Kai Havertz to concede a penalty Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

At the age of 27, it could be time for Travers to go out and play regular first-team football.

The former Bournemouth goalkeeper is going to struggle to displace Pickford in Everton’s starting 11, so a move to a club where he is going to play regularly would be smart.

If Coventry fail with a move to sign Rushworth this summer, then joining Lampard’s side could see him become a regular first-team player.

That would give Travers the opportunity to become a number one in the Premier League, something he has struggled to do consistently in his career.

The 27-year-old has played 24 times in the Premier League, never making more than 12 appearances in the top flight in one season.

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Tottenham Want to Sign Cody Gakpo After Sandro Tonali

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Tottenham Hotspur are already lining up their next blockbuster signing after Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham and ENIC have gone into overdrive in the summer transfer window and have shocked their fans and Premier League opponents with the aggression they are showing in the market.

Having wrapped up bargain free transfer moves for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka within the first couple of weeks of the window opening, Spurs have now started spending big money.

Jan Paul van Hecke cost just over £50m from Brighton and Hove Albion, while the north Londoners have just spent £185m combined on the double midfield swoop for Fernandes and Tonali.

Those two moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means that a deal to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis is now off, with the Portugal international saying his goodbyes on social media on Friday afternoon.

With the goalkeeping, defensive and midfield positions coming together nicely, attention is now expected to turn to strengthening De Zerbi’s attack as Tottenham look to make a huge impact next season.

Tottenham have been linked with Manchester City star Savinho, but now they have their eye on a Premier League winner too.

Romano: Tottenham Want Cody Gakpo

Cody Gakpo Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Tottenham have been linked with many left-sided attackers, including Savinho, Rafael Leao and West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville in recent weeks, but now they are said to have an interest in 2025 Premier League champion Cody Gakpo.

Rumours suggested that the £250,000-a-week Netherlands international was considering his future at Anfield following the dismissal of Arne Slot, but Romano claims that Liverpool have no intention of selling and hints it may take a big proposal to change their stance.

Issuing an update on his latest YouTube video, the Italian journalist said:

“Keep an eye on Tottenham for Cody Gakpo, because Tottenham have interest in the player. Then I can tell you that Liverpool, as of today, the beginning of July, are not opening doors to an exit. So, at the moment, Liverpool are not telling Gakpo, ‘Okay, you can leave’, they are not telling Tottenham, ‘Okay, let’s negotiate’. This is not happening now.

“So, at the moment, the door is closed from Liverpool, but we have to see later on this summer, in case Tottenham really open talks by sending a proposal. At the moment, it is interest. If they send a proposal, we have to see what’s going to happen there. So it’s a story to keep an eye on.”

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Tottenham Can Sign Gakpo Alternative for £51m

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa via Reuters

Gakpo is likely to cost Tottenham big money with Liverpool unlikely to want to sell to a Premier League rival for a smaller fee, but Spurs have been told they can sign an alternative to the Dutchman and Savinho for just over £50m.

According to Sky Sports journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, AC Milan could be willing to sell Rafael Leao for as little as €60m (£51m) this summer.

The player has already publicly confirmed his desire to move on from the San Siro this summer for a new opportunity, with suggestions that the Premier League would be his dream move.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all in the market for a left-sided forward, so it will be interesting to see who makes their move.

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England vs Mexico Could be Delayed Over Weather Issues

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For fans outside of the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the timing of games has been one issue to contend with when watching certain World Cup fixtures. This will be very apparant for those who want to watch England take on Mexico in their upcoming Round of 16 match, with the game set to kick off at 1am (GMT).

Having finished top of Group L, Thomas Tuchel’s men met DR Congo in the next round but struggled against their underdog opposition, falling behind to a fine effort from Brian Cipenga in the 7th minute. It took until the 75th minute before Harry Kane found a leveller and then won the game with four minutes to play.

As a result, England will take on Mexico at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City. The tournament co-hosts beat Ecuador 2-0 in their previous outing, having also finished top of their group (A).

More Than Just Altitude Could Cause Chaos During England vs Mexico

Estadio Azteca Mexico City World Cup 2026 REUTERS/Carlos Perez Gallardo via Action Images

Much has been made about the altitude difficulties England will face during the fixture, which takes place at 6pm local time. This is because Estadio Azteca sits at 2,200 metres (7,218 ft) above sea level, making it the highest altitude stadium in North America.

Mexico have lost just twice in 89 competitive matches at the stadium, with it widely believed that the altitude hinders opposition teams when visiting. Tuchel’s men will have to deal with less oxygen in every breath, while there is also less resistance on the ball, causing it to move faster, which could catch out players unfamiliar with the conditions.

With all this to worry about, there is one more key issue that could impact the occasion, as thunderstorms are expected that evening in Mexico City. According to the Met Office forecast, they tempestuous weather is expected to begin an hour before kick-off.

The report notes that the thunderstorms are forecast between 17:00 and 19:00 local time. As such, the game could be delayed, as was seen when poor conditions halted France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Philadelphia by two hours. England also faced weather delays in the US ahead of their pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica.

Any major storms could prove disastrous for England fans hoping to watch the Mexico game in UK pubs. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made sure that the venues will be allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday morning, but things could get tight if the game is delayed.

Monday’s match in Mexico is not expected to finish until at least 03:00, but if the game is delayed, fans might be forced out before the full-time whistle is blown. What’s more, if injury time and penalties are required, it will make timing towards the end of the match even tighter.

US Have Strict Rules Over Lightening Near Sport Stadiums

Thomas Tuchel during the 2026 World Cup game between England and Ghana REUTERS/Peter Cziborra

According to US rules, via TalkSport, play must be stopped if a lightning strike is detected within eight miles of a stadium. A match can only resume after 30 minutes have passed since the last lightning strike, and that countdown resets if more bad weather arrives.

Fox Weather meteorologist Stephen Morgan has explained:

“We’ve had some increased moisture in Mexico and, with that in mind, we might have some rain in the area. It’s the lightening I would be concerned with rather than the rain.

“If there’s a lightening strike within an eight-mile radius of the stadium they will have to postpone the game and there will be a chance we will have some storms for Azteca Stadium.”

Speaking on all the issues his team could face against Mexico, England boss Tuchel accepted their World Cup rivals have a ‘huge advantage’ due to the altitude, adding: “The ball will fly differently [at altitude]. It will fly maybe five yards more. It’s just difficult. We just need the experience.”

Even so, he insisted his players won’t be looking for excuses. “Bring it on,” he said, before noting: “It’s a very beautiful and exciting fixture. There will be lots of obstacles, but this team will be ready, whatever it takes.”

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