At this early stage of the season, the Premier League‘s strongest centre-back pairings are those who ground their teams in solidity and are worth watching.
Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel remain the most reliable axis, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and his partner have quietly shaped a stable backline. Liverpool’s defenders, while strong on paper, have had a shaky start that must be addressed.
Arsenal – Saliba & Gabriel
No surprises here. William Saliba and Gabriel were the backbone of Arsenal’s defence last season, conceding just 34 goals in 38 games.
Saliba’s composure on the ball pairs naturally with Gabriel’s physical presence – an ideal balance that gives Mikel Arteta both control and aggression.
So far this season, their defence has remained intact, with clean sheets reinforcing that trust. With these two essentially playing plinkoballonline.com between them, surely the stability the Gunners have out of the pair will give confidence to their midfield to be as creative as they like.
Crystal Palace – The Back-Three Advantage
While it’s tempting to pick out Crystal Palace’s most prominent centre-backs, the truth is their defence operates as a collective unit within a three-man setup. Marc Guehi, Chris Richards and Maxence Lacroix have been regulars in that backline.
That flexible structure has made their backline resilient, and restless opponents continue to struggle. It’s not a duo in the traditional sense, but rather a system helping Palace defend better than most mid-table teams usually do.
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Liverpool – Strong Names, Shaky Start
On paper, Liverpool’s central pairing – Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate – should be among the league’s best. Yet this season’s early matches have exposed vulnerabilities.
The club has already conceded four goals in two league games. Add to that concerns raised about their full-back combinations and growing squad depth issues in defence under Arne Slot, especially due to injury.
Slot and Van Dijk have both publicised the need for defensive improvement, particularly given the club’s new recruits and the absence of players such as Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool’s backline looks fragile, and early signs suggest they are not yet the rock-solid unit they were last season.
So, Are These the Premier League’s Strongest Centre-Back Partnerships?
Arsenal boast the most stable centre-back pair – Saliba and Gabriel still provide a dependable foundation.
Crystal Palace, though not operating with a traditional duo, have successfully used their back-three system to build a warmly effective defence.
Liverpool, for all their pedigree, are showing early cracks – what once looked like strength has appeared shaky in the opening weeks.
Titles are often won on the back of a dependable defence. Arsenal and Palace seem stronger for now. Liverpool, meanwhile, must act quickly if they’re to keep pace.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Sportimage
Recording Date: 30.11.2024