Former Chelsea captain and defensive legend John Terry has revealed his picks for the four best central defenders in Premier League history. In an exclusive interview with SportBible, Terry shared his ‘Mount Rushmore’ of Premier League centre-backs, including both current and retired players.
Terry, who is widely regarded as one of the best centre-backs in football history, placed himself among the elite defenders. However, he also praised the qualities of his peers and other footballing greats who shaped the Premier League.
Speaking about his selections, Terry began by naming Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand as one of the greatest. “I’m then going to go Rio. I think longevity, playing at the top clubs, playing in the big competitions year in and year out, winning trophies relentlessly in terms of that. For me, he just had everything, so 100 per cent Rio’s in the conversation for me,” Terry said.
Terry went on to add two more legends to his list: Liverpool’s current captain Virgil van Dijk, known for his incredible defensive prowess, and Arsenal’s Tony Adams, a player who was the bedrock of the Gunners’ defence for over a decade.
This selection underscores the respect and admiration Terry has for the players who helped define the Premier League’s golden era of defending, and who continue to shape the future of the game. For many football fans, these four names represent the pinnacle of central defending in English football.
