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.

Wayne Rooney has publicly revised his view of Bryan Mbeumo after the forward’s decisive contribution in Manchester United’s 2–1 victory at Liverpool. Speaking on his self-titled podcast, Rooney reflected on Mbeumo’s season and the role he has played in a landmark away win.

“For me he has been Manchester United’s standout player this season and he hasn’t got his rewards for his hard work and the sacrifices he’s made for the team throughout the season,” Rooney gushed on his self-titled podcast after watching Mbeumo open the scoring in a 2–1 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

Rooney added context about his own initial doubts and the goal that changed his mind. “I thought it was a great goal [against Liverpool], and I’ll be honest, I was a bit sceptical when Manchester United signed him, I didn’t know if he had the ability to come and play for Manchester United, but he’s proved me wrong.

“I think he’s been a great addition to the team and by far United’s best player of the season. That’s such a huge win for the manager. I’ve been one of them, I’ve questioned decisions, tactics, players’ desire over this season and last season and that win is massive, to win at Anfield—that’s not easy to do.”

The goal was Mbeumo’s third of the campaign, more than any other player in the squad, and arrived via a prodded finish set up by Amad Diallo. The 26-year-old leads the team in xG, shots, xA and touches in the opposition box, among other metrics, and his work without the ball is notable. Heading into the weekend’s fixtures, Mbeumo had the most runs off the ball of any Premier League player.

“Amad is doing so well in that position, he is perfect for that position,” United head coach Ruben Amorim gushed after Sunday’s trip to Anfield. The natural winger has been reworked into part of a back-five to accommodate the likes of Mbeumo and terrorised Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez.

United’s win at Anfield was their first away victory there since Rooney himself scored the only goal in a 2016 scratchy success, underlining the significance of the result for the club and for the manager.

Martin Zubimendi has pushed back against the idea that Arsenal are runaway favourites for the Premier League this season, instead placing their chances much closer to even.

Since joining the Gunners he has suffered only one defeat, and Arsenal sit three points clear at the top of the Premier League. That early advantage and Liverpool’s recent poor form have encouraged many to anoint Arsenal as clear title favourites; Zubimendi is not among them.

When asked by Radio Marca to assess the club’s prospects of ending a two-decade title drought this season, he was cautious. “I couldn’t give you a number,” he mused before adding, “but I do know we’ll be there. Football is very fickle, and details make the difference. They’re small details, and sometimes it’s even a coin toss.”

Arsenal have finished second in each of the past three Premier League campaigns. No team in the 137-year history of England’s top flight has been runner-up in four consecutive seasons.

Expectation remains high at the club, but Zubimendi insists that the atmosphere inside the squad is not one of burden. “I’m really not feeling it,” Zubimendi told AS in a separate interview this week. “No one here talks about obligations or having to win anything. This will be the reward for the work we put in during the season, and more than pressure, I see the fans eager. They know what it’s like not to achieve their goal. More than pressure, it’s motivation.”

He highlighted the foundations of Arsenal’s current form: defensive solidity and set-piece threat. At Craven Cottage this weekend Arsenal denied Fulham a shot on target and scored the only goal from a corner.

“We’re a very well-rounded team,” Zubimendi insisted, “we work very hard on both the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents before each match. The staff does an immense job giving us the necessary tools to make everything easier.” “We’re a very solid, very compact group where we all want to win, and that’s transmitted,” he added.

On set pieces he smiled: “The truth is, it doesn’t surprise me,” he grinned. “Set pieces are something we work on every day; you can also see it in our league; it’s not just us, but many teams are scoring goals. It’s an area I’ve had to improve and pay close attention to.”