The Premier League places constant demand on defenders, and only a handful sustain the form and influence that mark the league’s elite. This piece presents a concise assessment of the current top 15 defenders based solely on the traits and milestones noted in the original draft.

Pedro Porro remains one of the most attack-minded full backs, excelling down Tottenham Hotspur’s right flank with an excellent eye for a pass and growing leadership responsibilities under Thomas Frank. Micky van de Ven returned to full fitness after missing a large chunk of last season to injury; his recovery pace, composure on the ball and strength in the tackle make him a standout central option.

Reece James has endured lengthy injury battles but, when fit, offers a sensational two-way athleticism capable of locking up attackers and delivering dangerous crosses; he is comfortable in central defence and in more advanced midfield roles. Murillo, following his 2023 move to Nottingham Forest, combined relentless defending with a willingness to drive from the back and play line-breaking passes, prompting expensive links to Europe’s elite.

Tino Livramento demonstrated his potential after bouncing back from a devastating injury, contributing both in attack and defensively for Newcastle United. Daniel Muñoz, signed by Crystal Palace in January 2024, is praised for elite athleticism and devastating bursts down the right wing.

Cristian Romero blends composed defending with aggressive intensity, backed by experience that includes World Cup and Copa América wins plus the 2024–25 Europa League. Ibrahima Konaté developed through French and German football and now anchors Liverpool with added intelligent positioning and movement to complement his physical attributes.

Marc Cucurella’s route from Barcelona’s academy through Getafe and Brighton & Hove Albion has led to a revival at Chelsea under Enzo Maresca, often deployed in an inverted role. Jurrien Timber overcame a devastating ACL injury suffered 50 minutes into his Premier League debut and has returned to provide versatile defensive cover for Arsenal, reflecting his Ajax education.

Marc Guéhi pairs aerial presence and defensive basics with uncommon composure on the ball and remains Crystal Palace’s captain as his contract situation draws attention. Rúben Dias, a standout in 2020–21, remains a Manchester City mainstay with four Premier League title spines to his name. Gabriel’s understated aggression and set-piece threat have made him indispensable at Arsenal, while Virgil van Dijk’s wider reputation endures despite a less favourable 2025–26 campaign.

Cristian Romero was listed in Tottenham Hotspur’s starting XI for the match against Aston Villa but sustained an injury before kickoff and did not take the field. Kevin Danso was brought in to partner Micky van de Ven, with van de Ven wearing the captain’s armband for the match. Spurs still took the lead in under a minute in front of a surprised home crowd.

The absence of Romero continues a clear pattern. Of the 25 Premier League matches he has missed in the past two years, Tottenham have won only six (24%). With Romero in the side the club’s win rate is markedly higher: 29 wins from 58 matches, a 50% success rate.

The defensive issues were not confined to Romero. Left back Destiny Udogie was also absent after suffering a setback while away with Italy this month. “He came back from international duty with a minor irritation in the knee, so that just keeps him out for this game,” Frank told Sky Sports ahead of kickoff. The Danish boss added that long-term absence was not planned, saying, “That’s not the plan.”

Midfield and striking options are affected as well. Yves Bissouma is expected to be sidelined for “a few weeks” with an ankle problem. First-choice centre forward Dominic Solanke remains unavailable following knee surgery last month and is currently out for an indefinite period.

Frank provided an update on Solanke’s rehabilitation: “Dom’s progressed well post-surgery,” Frank insisted ahead of Sunday’s match. “The good thing is he is progressing, but he is still training on his own. I don’t want to be too negative or get too excited. How long he takes [to return], I don’t know.”

Tottenham must navigate the immediate fixtures without a player who has a demonstrable influence on results and with several other first-team options restricted by injury. The club’s short-term choices will continue to be dictated by fitness updates and the recovery timelines provided by the medical staff.

Harry Kane has wished Tottenham Hotspur well as speculation swirls over a possible return, but the forward appears settled in Munich and focused on the immediate targets at Bayern.

Reports have suggested Kane can trigger a €65 million (£56.6 million, $75.6 million) release clause next summer if notice is submitted by the end of January. That possibility has prompted talk of a move back to Spurs — who finally ended a 17-year trophy drought last season — while Manchester United and Barcelona have also been linked.

New Spurs boss Thomas Frank publicly said Kane would be welcome to return. The player himself, however, made clear his current priorities lie elsewhere. “I’m not sure [if I’ll go back],” Kane told the Daily Mail when quizzed on Spurs. “I’m very happy here in Munich. [Leaving] is not something I’m thinking about. It’ll always be ‘we’ [with Spurs] because I spent my whole life there. I’m a fan of them and will always watch them and see how they’re getting on. They will always be a part of my life for sure but as for now, I’m loving it here.”

Kane enjoyed seeing former team-mate Son Heung-min lift the Europa League trophy and retains friends among the players and staff at Tottenham. “[Winning the Europa League] was big for everyone…hopefully they can push on and win more,” he said.

For now Kane is intent on delivering for Bayern. He spoke of a clear ambition to convert opportunities into trophies for the reigning Bundesliga champions and pointed to the chance of success across domestic cups and Europe. “We’ve got a great chance for all the trophies this year. Whenever you start a season with Bayern, you’re favourites. We haven’t had great cup runs since I’ve been here so we want to try and put that right,” Kane explained. “Then in the Champions League, it’s still early stages but ultimately it’s about trying to win the competition. And going into the World Cup, you want to be at your best. ]

Turning 33 in July, Kane is already planning his focus on Bayern and the international stage next summer.