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Fan Team of the Season 2024/25: Centre-backs

24 May 2025
Fan Team of the Season, Centre-backs

You can pick TWO of 10 centre-backs to go into the 2024/25 Premier League Fan Team of the Season

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We are going through the nominees in each position for the 2024/25 Premier League Fan Team of the Season!

What is Fan Team of the Season?

You can pick a best XI from a shortlist of 60 players who starred across the campaign. 

The players who receive the most votes from the public in their respective positions will then go into the 2024/25 Premier League Fan Team of the Season, which will be limited to a maximum of four players per club.

You have until 23:59 BST on Thursday 29 May to select your team. By picking your 2024/25 Fan Team of the Season, you will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £500 voucher to spend at a Premier League club shop of your choosing.

Centre-backs

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
P36 W25 D8 L3 G3 A1 CS14

Another season, another reminder that the 6ft 5in Dutchman is still one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League. Van Dijk was a rock at the heart of Liverpool’s defence and a true leader in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. With 184 clearances, his defensive presence was undeniable, while his contributions going forward, three goals and one assist, proved he remains a threat at both ends of the pitch.

Gabriel (Arsenal)
P28 W16 D9 L3 G3 A1 CS10

It’s simple: Arsenal with Gabriel and Arsenal without him are two different teams. The Brazilian defender was instrumental for Mikel Arteta’s side until injury halted his momentum. Defensively, he won 60 per cent of his tackles and was a commanding presence in the backline. Offensively, he played a key role on set-pieces, scoring three goals and providing one assist in 28 appearances.

Nikola Milenkovic (Nott'm Forest)
P36 W19 D7 L10 G5 A2 CS13

One of the signings of the season, Milenkovic brought experience and composure to Nottingham Forest’s defence. Alongside Murillo, he helped build a formidable partnership that transformed Forest into one of the toughest teams to break down. Not just a stopper, the Serbian defender also chipped in offensively with five goals and two assists, an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League.

Dan Burn (Newcastle)
P36 W20 D6 L10 G1 A1 C13

With Sven Botman sidelined for large parts of the season, Burn stepped up, and how. Towering, tenacious, and tireless, Burn delivered a string of commanding performances that kept Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League hopes alive. He proved once again why he’s one of the most underrated defenders in the league.

William Saliba (Arsenal)
P35 W19 D12 L4 G2 A0 CS12

Arteta had the luxury of counting on Saliba all season, and it made all the difference. The French centre-back’s importance grew even more after Gabriel’s injury, and he rose to the occasion. Calm under pressure, precise in possession, and strong in duels, Saliba anchored a back line that conceded only 33 goals all season, the fewest in the competition.

Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
P30 W21 D7 L3 G1 A2 CS11

Next to Van Dijk, Konate proved just as essential for Liverpool’s defensive strength. The Frenchman was a wall, winning 134 duels and losing just 70, a remarkable ratio. His pace and power made life difficult for attackers, and he was a huge factor in Liverpool’s title charge.

James Tarkowski (Everton)
P33 W8 D14 L11 G1 A1 CS10

In a season where Everton struggled for consistency, Tarkowski was a beacon of reliability, until injury struck. Calm, composed, and always alert, he was central to Everton’s defensive resilience. 

Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
P34 W11 D13 L10 G3 A2 CS11

Palace’s season could easily have gone off the rails, but Guehi helped keep things afloat when it mattered most. His leadership at the back shone through during tough stretches, and he consistently delivered solid performances. With three goals and two assists, he showed he’s not just a defender, but a well-rounded footballer.

Murillo (Nott'm Forest)
P35 W18 D7 L10 G2 A0 CS11

What a breakout season for Murillo. The young Brazilian centre-back was at the heart of Forest’s most successful top-flight campaign since their return in 2022/23. From his calm ball-playing ability to his last-ditch heroics, three goalline clearances, two goals, he was sensational. A star is rising at the City Ground.

Dean Huijsen (AFC Bournemouth)
P31 W12 D9 L10 G3 A1 CS7

One of the surprises of the season. When Huijsen arrived at Bournemouth, few expected him to become such a key player. But the young Spaniard brought poise, precision, and personality to Andoni Iraola’s back line. He was defensively solid and also delivered going forward with three goals. A star in the making.

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