Yahoo Sports Five of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League
It’s often said that defenders mature later in their careers, but the Premier League is currently home to several defensive starlets who are shining this season.
There’s some serious centre-back talent on the rise in English football. We’ve picked out five of the best young centre-backs in the Premier League, all aged 23 or under.
William Saliba (Arsenal)
William Saliba is already among the very elite defenders in world football. The Frenchman’s introduction to the Arsenal side has coincided with the club’s emergence as one of the best defensive units in Europe.
His career already includes a Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award, back-to-back PFA Team of the Year inclusions, and a nomination in The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2024. He’s been so good and so composed that it’s easy to forget Saliba does not turn 24 until March.
William Saliba completed 108 of 113 attempted passes against Ipswich 😮@Oracle | #FestiveFixtures pic.twitter.com/SiYMlxX1sp
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 27, 2024
Saliba leads the Premier League for pass completion (94.3%) this season and ranks among the division’s top players for percentage of dribblers tackled (4th), touches (6th) and progressive carrying distance (8th).
Micky Van de Ven (Tottenham)
A month Saliba’s junior, Van de Ven has also made a huge impression in the Premier League. Spurs snapped up the centre-back from Wolfsburg in 2023 and he made an immediate impact, earning the club’s Player of the Season award in his debut campaign.
The adventure of Ange Postecoglou’s plan means the 23-year-old is often tasked with huge responsibility, with his recovery pace the ace up his sleeve. Van de Ven has the speed to match any forward in the game, which combined with a hulking 6ft 4in frame is an almost unique blend.
Murillo (Nottingham Forest)
Nottingham Forest are enjoying the ride right now with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side upsetting the odds to gatecrash the Champions League places. Much of their success has been built on the central defensive pairing of Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo.
The latter is a player who appears destined for a bigger stage and is thriving in the infancy of his senior career. He leads the Premier League for blocks (39), clearances (112) and successful dribbles (14) among central defenders, while ranking second for chances created (10) and through balls (5).
Murillo combines a bullish frame with nimble Brazilian footwork and could attract huge offers from rival clubs in upcoming transfer windows. Still just 22, he’d already improve most sides in the division.
Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
Dean Huijsen is turning the heads of rival clubs with rumoured interest from Real Madrid. Bournemouth snapped up the Spain u-21 international from Juventus in the summer and could soon make a large profit on their initial £12.6m investment.
The 19-year-old has excelled in recent weeks for a Cherries team pushing for Europe. He’s scored vital goals in wins over Tottenham and Manchester United while demonstrating a composure that belies his inexperience.
Excellent in the air and at ease striding forward with the ball at his feet, he leads all Premier League centre-backs for the percentage of defensive duels won (84.62%). Heading to the top.
Illia Zabaryni (Bournemouth)
Huijsen’s centre-back partner is another who has caught the eye of top clubs. He’s played every minute of Bournemouth’s campaign to date and ranks sixth among all Premier League players for clearances.
The Ukraine international only turned 22 in September but has already amassed 150 senior appearances in his club career and 45 caps for the national team. This season, he’s winning 64% of his ground duels and 67% of aerial battles. His partnership with Huijsen is one of the most exciting anywhere in Europe right now.
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