The 2025-26 Premier League season is heating up, with defensive solidity proving pivotal in the early title race. As of October 12, 2025, Arsenal lead the table with 16 points from seven matches, boasting the league's best defense by conceding just four goals. Liverpool and Manchester City follow closely, relying on star defenders to maintain clean sheets and thwart attacks.
This article dives into the performance of big-name Premier League defenders, highlighting stats like clean sheets, tackles per 90 minutes, interceptions, and duels won. Whether you're scouting for Fantasy Premier League (FPL) or analyzing the EPL's top backlines, these insights cover the key players shaping the season.
Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool's Unyielding Captain
Virgil van Dijk remains the gold standard for Premier League defenders in 2025-26. The 34-year-old Dutchman has started all seven of Liverpool's matches, logging 630 minutes with eight interceptions and 41 duels won. His aerial dominance and precise passing (over 90% completion rate) have helped the Reds secure two clean sheets while conceding only seven goals overall.
Van Dijk tops FPL defensive contributions early on, making him a must-have at £6.0m. Despite a minor dip in tackle numbers (0.43 per 90), his leadership shines in high-pressure fixtures, positioning Liverpool as title contenders.
William Saliba: Arsenal's Modern Defensive Anchor
At 24, William Saliba is emerging as one of the best Premier League defenders this season. He's featured in six matches (410 minutes), contributing to three clean sheets with eight tackles and three interceptions. Saliba's proactive style—2.62 tackles per 90—and composure in possession have been key to Arsenal's stingy defense, allowing the fewest shots on target per game.
Praised as potentially the league's top centre-back, his partnership with Gabriel has yielded under 0.5 goals conceded per match. In FPL, Saliba's £6.0m price tag offers premium value, though attacking returns are yet to materialize.
Rúben Dias: Manchester City's Reliable Rock
Rúben Dias continues to anchor Manchester City's defense with authority in the 2025-26 EPL season. The 28-year-old has appeared in seven games (545 minutes), starting six, with three tackles, two interceptions, and 14 duels won. City's backline has conceded sparingly, thanks to Dias's 0.67 tackles and interceptions per 90.
His leadership, highlighted by a recent contract extension, remains crucial amid a transitional phase. At £5.5m in FPL, Dias is a safe pick for clean sheet potential, even without goal threats this term.
John Stones: Resilient Return for Manchester City
John Stones has overcome past injuries to deliver solid performances in 2025-26. The 31-year-old has played four Premier League matches (265 minutes), securing one clean sheet with two interceptions and 11 duels won. His versatility, often inverting into midfield, adds value to Pep Guardiola's system (0.68 interceptions per 90).
Despite conceding four goals in his appearances, Stones's experience—six EPL titles—makes him indispensable. Priced at £5.1m in FPL, he's a budget-friendly option for rotation-heavy City.
Gabriel Magalhães: Arsenal's Set-Piece Specialist
Gabriel Magalhães brings physicality and goal threat to Arsenal's defense. In seven full matches (630 minutes), he's scored once—a crucial header—while amassing 10 tackles, eight interceptions, and 39 duels won. Leading clearances among premium defenders, Gabriel's 2.71 tackles per 90 and set-piece prowess (0.16 xG per 90 from dead balls) have contributed to four clean sheets.
His form edges him ahead of Saliba in FPL popularity at £6.0m, solidifying Arsenal's title bid.
Kyle Walker: Burnley's Veteran Leader
In a surprise summer move to Burnley, 35-year-old Kyle Walker has started all seven matches (630 minutes), delivering 11 tackles, seven interceptions, and 32 duels won. His speed and experience have helped the Clarets secure one clean sheet amid a tough relegation fight.
Covering the most ground among full-backs, Walker's leadership—praised by former managers—adds stability. At £5.0m in FPL, he's a differential pick for budget squads.
Reece James: Chelsea's Captain on the Rise
Chelsea captain Reece James has shaken off injuries, appearing in seven matches (424 minutes) with one assist, 29 duels won, and strong duel success (70%). His elite crossing and tackling (2.00 per 90) have yielded two clean sheets.
At 25, James's dual-threat potential makes him a FPL gem at £5.5m, though rotation risks persist.
Trent Alexander-Arnold: The EPL Export to La Liga
Trent Alexander-Arnold's departure to Real Madrid marks a significant loss for the Premier League. In four La Liga appearances (151 minutes), he's yet to register goals or assists, but his visionary passing lingers in EPL discussions. Liverpool's replacements struggle to match his 67 career assists, highlighting his irreplaceable creativity.
Performance Statistics Table
| Defender | Club | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Tackles/90 | Interceptions/90 | Goals/Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | 7 | 2 | 7 | 0.43 | 1.14 | 0/0 |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | 6 | 3 | 4 | 1.76 | 0.66 | 0/0 |
| Rúben Dias | Man City | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0.50 | 0.33 | 0/0 |
| John Stones | Man City | 4 | 1 | 4 | 0.00 | 0.68 | 0/0 |
| Gabriel Magalhães | Arsenal | 7 | 4 | 4 | 1.43 | 1.14 | 1/0 |
| Kyle Walker | Burnley | 7 | 1 | 11 | 1.57 | 1.00 | 0/0 |
| Reece James | Chelsea | 7 | 2 | 4 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 0/1 |
*Stats as of October 12, 2025; sourced from Premier League official site and FBref.
Key Trends in Premier League Defender Stats 2025-26
Arsenal's duo leads the way, with the Gunners conceding the fewest goals (four in seven games). Emerging trends include Chelsea's Moisés Caicedo topping tackles (28) and interceptions (18), though not a pure defender.
FPL's new defensive points for clearances, blocks, interceptions, and tackles favor "CBIT" specialists like van Dijk and Gabriel. As fixtures intensify, these big-name Premier League defenders will define title races, relegation battles, and FPL success. Stay updated on EPL defender performances for the latest insights.