Virgil Van Dijk & Antonio Rudiger Miss Out As Premier League’s Top Two Defenders Are Named

William Gallas has named Ruben Dias and Thiago Silva as the two best defenders in the Premier League.

Dias, 24, has played a key role in central defence for City this season, with the defending champions now eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Brentford.

Silva, meanwhile, has continued to impress for Chelsea at the age of 37 and was sorely missed in midweek as Thomas Tuchel’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton.

Gallas has named Chelsea's Thiago Silva as one of the two best defenders in the league (Image: Alamy)

The pair have been singled out for praise by former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender Gallas, who overlooked the likes of Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Chelsea’s Antonio Rudiger when naming his picks for the league’s best defender.

“I will speak about two players. I will speak about Thiago Silva because, he always finds the edge. I think what he does for Chelsea, it's magnificent,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“As you know, to play in the Premier League it's not easy. It's very physical. And Thiago Silva is 37 years old.

“He is the boss of that defence. He's mature, he's got experience.

Gallas also singled out Manchester City's Ruben Dias for praise (Image: PA)

“Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.”

Silva joined Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and has since gone on to make 55 appearances for the Blues.

The Brazil international initially joined on a one-year deal which was extended ahead of this season until the summer of 2022.

Dias, meanwhile, has cemented his position as City’s first-choice centre-back after initially joining the club on a six-year deal from Benfica in 2020.

Former Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender Gallas made more than 200 Premier League appearances in his career (Image: Alamy)

Gallas has been particularly impressed by the Portugal international, who has featured in all but one of City’s Premier League games this season.

“He is a very strong, and a very thoughtful defender,” added Gallas.

“He doesn't make a lot of fouls. In his position, that is always good. That is how he communicates to his team.

“He doesn't speak a lot, but he doesn't have to. But you know, he looks strong.

“So those two players, for me, are the best defenders in the Premier League.”

Do you agree with Gallas' picks? Let us know!

Topics: Virgil Van Dijk, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Ruben Dias, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Football, Premier League

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan