Since the Premier League began, we have seen our fair share of quality strike partnerships and midfield combinations, especially in the traditional 4-4-2 formation. Though, one area that is often neglected from our thoughts is formidable defensive duos.
You could even make a case for five of these heralding from just one team, especially the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, when considering the amount of times they have won the title.
Arguably though, defensive duos have formed the bedrock of successful sides over the years, providing a platform to build on; something that Jose Mourinho has always implemented when he arrives at a new club, none more so than Chelsea.
So, who makes our top 10 of defensive duos?
Before we start, we can already guess the names that may be going around in your head, though, we’re not strictly focusing on Premier League title winners. We looked at a number of different factors and, in no particular order, this is what we came up with!
Henning Berg (pictured) & Ian Pearce: Blackburn Rovers
The two formed a great partnership at the back to win the 1994/95 title conceding 39 goals. Image Source: lagaleriadelfutbol.blogspot.com
Joleon Lescott & Joseph Yobo: Everton
During the 2006/07 season, this partnership was class under David Moyes. And a huge reason why the Toffees had the greatest goal difference outside the top four. Image Source: liverpoolecho.co.uk
Darren Peacock (pictured) & Steve Howey: Newcastle United
This pairing helped the Magpies achieve a second placed finish in the 1995/96 season. Image Source: zimbio.com
John Terry & Ricardo Carvalho: Chelsea
Key to Jose Mourinho's 2004/05 Premier League title success. The Blues conceded just 15 goals that campaign. Image Source: squawka.com
Lucas Radebe (pictured) & Jonathan Woodgate: Leeds United
This pairing won the hearts of many Leeds fans for years. In the 1999-00 Premier League campaign, Radebe earned Leeds an average of 1.90 points per match. Image Source: guardian.com
Olof Melberg & Martin Laursen: Aston Villa
One of the hardest partnerships for strikers to play against; two quality centre backs. In the 2007/08 season, Melberg earned his team an average of 1.57 points per match in 34 Premier League appearances, scoring two goals and assisting twice. Image Source: ekstrabladet.dk
Tony Adams & Martin Keown: Arsenal
Key to so much silverware success for the Gunners. Adams has the Premier League's best clean sheet record with 45.1%. Image Source: dailymail.co.uk
Jamie Carragher & Sami Hypia: Liverpool
Two of the Reds' best in the Premier League era. Hypia has the fifth best Premier League clean sheet record of 39.3%.
Image Source: empireofthekop.com
Nemanja Vidic & Rio Ferdinand: Manchester United
Simply had to be in. A partnership that had it all. The duo achieved 92 clean sheets over 183 games - better than Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister.
Image Source: kicktv.com
SEE ALSO: Best midfield quartets of the Premier League
There we have it. Without a doubt 10 hugely talented centre-back partnerships which were either feared or revered and made their mark on the Premier League during their tenure. While not all of them won a title with their clubs, they were certainly very capable.
You could make a case for many more, especially from the top clubs, when considering the likes of Jaap Stam (Man Utd) and Sol Campbell (Arsenal). There could even be a case made for Marcel Desailly and Frank Leboeuf who were outstanding for Chelsea in the late nineties. One thing is for sure: these defensive duos were just as important as their attacking teammates.
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