All 24 EFL Championship clubs' best centre-back ranked from best to worst | OneFootball

FLW ranks the top 24 Championship centre-backs.

The centre-back role in English football has changed dramatically over the past decade.

Gone are the days when defenders were simply tasked with stopping attacks and leaving the creative players to do the rest. In the modern game, a centre-half must be composed on the ball, often acting as the starting point for attacking moves.

The Championship boasts a wealth of talented defenders who fit this mould and at Football League World, we have ranked the best centre-back at each club from best to worst.

1 Maxime Esteve - Burnley

Heading the list we have Burnley's Maxime Esteve.

The French centre-back was initially signed on loan from Montpellier in January 2024, before the Clarets made the move permanent in the summer for a fee of around £13 million.

He has been a rock at the heart of one of the league’s strongest defences, helping his side keep 29 clean sheets and concede just 12 goals in their opening 41 matches.

Brilliant on the ball as well, a summer move could be calling with the likes of West Ham United, Everton and AC Milan all keen on the 22-year-old.

2 Pascal Struijk - Leeds United

Leeds United boast a wealth of quality defenders, but at FLW, we've chosen Pascal Struijk as their standout performer.

The Dutchman has been with the club since 2018 and has played a crucial role over the past two seasons in their push for a return to the top flight.

Injuries have unfortunately disrupted his availability, but his presence in the side is invaluable. A commanding figure at both ends of the pitch, Struijk combines defensive intelligence with impressive passing ability. He looks more than ready for a Premier League return, where he can truly showcase his talent.

3 Anel Ahmedhodzic - Sheffield United

Anel Ahmedhodzic's two seasons in the Championship have been nothing short of outstanding.

The 26-year-old is a commanding, no-nonsense defender whose physicality and determination have helped forge one of the strongest backlines in the second tier.

This season, he ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs for tackles won, tackle success rate, and passing accuracy. His aim will be to carry this form into the Premier League if Sheffield United secure a return to the top flight.

West Bromwich Albion’s Norwegian centre-back, Torbjørn Heggem, has proven to be a superb find for the Baggies, impressing in his debut season in English football.

A mainstay at the heart of defence, he has played over 3,500 minutes this term, with most of his defensive statistics ranking in the top 10% according to FotMob.

Purchased for just £500,000, his purchase has proven to be one of the steals of the summer window.

5 Luke McNally - Bristol City

Luke McNally's season was unfortunately cut short in February with a campaign-ending injury, but that doesn't detract from what a superb year he was having.

The 25-year-old has become a firm fixture in Liam Manning's side since signing in the summer and his performances helped to keep Bristol City in the play-off race.

Although they have secured their top-six ambitions without him, he would still be warmly welcomed back into the side and it will be interesting to see if he can build on a stellar 2024-25 season next year.

6 Bobby Thomas - Coventry City

Since arriving at the CBS Arena in the summer of 2023, Bobby Thomas has steadily developed into one of the Championship’s standout centre-backs.

Strong in the air yet composed on the ball, he has been a key presence at both ends of the pitch.

This season, his five goals, 120 aerial duels won and 109 accurate long balls are a testament to his all-round ability.

Perhaps the most archetypal modern centre-back on this list, Callum Doyle has been in superb form for Norwich City this season.

On loan from Manchester City, he has demonstrated exactly why he is so highly rated at the Etihad, with his passing statistics among the best for central defenders.

The 21-year-old still needs to refine certain aspects of his defensive game, but if he does, he could well be a key figure in England’s future.

8 Harry Darling - Swansea City

Just behind Doyle, we have another of the Championship’s most accomplished ball-playing centre-backs in Harry Darling.

The 25-year-old joined Swansea City in 2022 and, true to the Swans’ philosophy, has had to excel in possession. He has done exactly that, completing 1,905 passes at an impressive success rate of 88.3%.

Beyond his technical ability, he is also a solid defender, which is why Birmingham City are reportedly eyeing a move as his contract nears its expiry this summer.

9

Luke O'Nien has been a brilliant player for Sunderland since signing for them from Wycombe Wanderers in 2018.

Having led them back to the Championship in 2021-22, he has maintained his presence in the second tier, with his constant availability proving crucial to his side.

Versatile across the defensive third, he has primarily been relied upon at centre-back this term and has impressed alongside various partners. A hard-hitting defender, he will hope that he can help his side to the Premier League and continue his form in the division above.

10 Michal Helik - Oxford United

Michal Helik was a brilliantly astute signing from Oxford United in January.

The Polishman's presence has proved invaluable to their survival hopes, with the 29-year-old able to provide goals as well as defensive nous.

In just 14 games, he has become a stalwart for them and a full season for the U's could prove just what a superb defender he is.

11 Japhet Tanganga - Millwall

Japhet Tanganga spent last season on loan at Millwall, and since making the move permanent, he has taken his game to the next level.

Partnering with Jake Cooper, the Lions' defender has impressed with his aggressive defending, playing a key role in helping Millwall remain solid at the back.

His 221 duels won and 36 tackles won are a testament to his tenacity, and we could see the 26-year-old back in the Premier League sooner than expected.

Middlesbrough's centre-back was a difficult choice given the injury issues they have faced in the position this season, but FLW have sided with Rav van den Berg.

The 20-year-old has made a strong emergence into the side over the past two seasons and looks set to be a real prospect for the future.

Given his age, inconsistencies remain a part of his game, but on his best days, he is undoubtedly one of the finest central defenders in the division.

13 Charlie Hughes - Hull City

In the absence of Jacob Greaves, who left for Ipswich Town last summer, Charlie Hughes has stepped up to the plate and proven to be an ideal replacement for Hull City.

Signed from Wigan Athletic, the young defender has demonstrated plenty of ability both on the ball and in defending his own box.

On average, the 21-year-old has won 5.64 duels, made 4.46 recoveries, and completed 54 successful passes per 90 minutes - a superb reading given his age.

14 Jordan Storey - Preston North End

Jordan Storey was signed by Preston North End from Exeter City in 2018 and has established himself as a firm fixture in PNE's backline.

With over 200 appearances for the club, he has shown his Championship level over the past seven seasons and this year has been no different.

A more old-school centre-back, the 27-year-old thrives on battling against strikers with his duels won and interceptions standout statistics.

15 Matthew Pollock - Watford

Matthew Pollock was signed by Watford back in 2021, but it has taken him until this season to work his way into contention.

Now that he has, the 23-year-old has firmly established himself as a strong Championship centre-back with a season of good performances from the back.

His duels won, aerial duels won, and interceptions rank in the top 2% of central defenders and if he maintains this level, he could climb even higher on this list.

Coming in at 16th, we have the ever-reliable Steve Cook, who has been a fantastic addition to QPR over the past two seasons.

Having enjoyed great success at AFC Bournemouth, many might have expected his career to wind down in his later years. However, he has kept it very much alive at Loftus Road, continuing to showcase why he is so highly regarded across the EFL.

17 Matthew Clarke - Derby County

For Derby County, we have chosen January signing Matthew Clarke.

The former Middlesbrough man has made an impressive start to life at the Rams, playing a key role in their recent upturn in form.

His per-90 defensive statistics are strong, with duels won and tackles won standing out as his key strengths.

One of the most experienced players on this list, Calum Chambers has had a solid season for Cardiff City.

A capable passer and a reliable defender, he may no longer be at Premier League level, but he remains a valuable asset in the Championship.

At FLW, we have him ranked 18th, and he is likely to continue being a key figure for the Bluebirds over the next seasons.

19 Mark McGuinness - Luton Town

Mark McGuinness made a permanent move to Luton Town last summer and, despite the Hatters’ defensive struggles, has been a dependable presence at the back.

As the standout centre-back in Luton's backline, he has contributed three goals and three assists from defence.

Beyond his attacking output, the 24-year-old’s underlying statistics are impressive, particularly in duels won, aerial duels won, and interceptions - which all rank in the top 25% of central defenders.

20 Di'Shon Bernard - Sheffield Wednesday

Despite Danny Rohl's relatively defensive set-up, Sheffield Wednesday have been poor at the back this season, conceding 63 in their 41 games.

Nevertheless, Di'Shon Bernard has done a suitable job at the heart of defence and has largely been the one keeping it tight for them.

FLW's Owls pundit called Bernard's addition one of the "best signings in recent years", and he will hope to see a continuation of this when the 24-year-old returns from his current injury.