Who are the worst defenders in world football?

In the high-stakes world of Premier League football, defenders are often judged by their ability to handle one-on-one situations with attacking players.

While many defenders excel in aerial duels and team-based defensive tactics, some struggle when isolated against a quick and skillful opponent.

The 2024-2025 season has seen some surprising performances from players who are usually considered top-tier defenders.

In this article, we take a closer look at the worst 1v1 defenders in the Premier League, highlighting those who have had a tough time in direct confrontations with attackers, despite their overall contributions to their teams.

The 2024-2025 Premier League season has seen a mix of excellent defenders and some who have struggled to keep up in 1v1 situations.

Despite numerous high-scoring matches, certain defenders have repeatedly found themselves on the backfoot when facing off against attackers.

Here are some of the worst defender in premier league for the 2024-25 season:

9. Tim Ream: 45.8%Tim Ream has played 30 games for Fulham this season, conceding 37 goals and recording 8 clean sheets.

His defensive stats show that his team concedes a goal every 73 minutes, and his performance in one-on-one situations has not been up to par.

8. Alex Moreno: 44%Signed from Real Betis for £13.3 million, Alex Moreno's attacking prowess has stood out. However, his defensive abilities, especially in 1v1 situations, have been inconsistent. Though offensively strong, his defensive struggles have been evident throughout the season.

7. Virgil van Dijk: 43.8%Once hailed as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has had a disappointing season by his own high standards. His struggles are a part of the broader issues at Liverpool, with Van Dijk not living up to his usual consistency in 1v1 battles.

6. Harry Souttar: 43.8%Harry Souttar has faced challenges in his 9 Premier League appearances this season. Despite receiving praise for his performances at Leicester, his 1v1 defending has been a weak point, with a concerning average of 1.67 goals conceded per 90 minutes.

5. Ben Godfrey: 40.9%Ben Godfrey’s performances have been a mix of uncertainty, especially in one-on-one situations. He has made just 11 appearances this season, and his struggle to maintain a solid defensive position has made him a liability in 1v1 encounters.

4. Lewis Dunk: 40%Although Lewis Dunk has shown remarkable stats in aerial duels and tackles, his 1v1 defending remains a weakness. Despite his overall solid performances, Dunk’s struggles in direct confrontations with attackers have been notable.

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3. Raphael Varane: 37.5%

Raphaël Varane is a French professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Manchester United in the Premier League. Renowned for his physicality, composure on the ball, and leadership qualities, Varane has been a key figure in both club and international football, winning numerous titles, including the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018.

While Varane has generally been highly regarded throughout his career, particularly for his performances with Real Madrid and France, his time at Manchester United has been somewhat mixed. Injuries have hampered his consistency, and there have been occasional defensive errors or lapses in concentration, particularly during his early seasons in the Premier League.

Some critics have pointed to moments where Varane was caught off guard or struggled against the Premier League’s more physical attackers, which has led to some questioning whether he could maintain the high standards set during his time at Real Madrid.

Despite being regarded as one of the best defenders globally, Raphael Varane has faced criticism for his inconsistent one-on-one defending. His technical and physical prowess is overshadowed by his tendency to lose some key battles, despite his superior strength and speed.

2. Aaron Cresswell: 36.8%

Aaron Cresswell is an English professional footballer who plays as a left-back for West Ham United in the Premier League. While he's generally considered a solid and dependable player for West Ham, there are certain moments where he has faced criticism for defensive lapses, especially during tough matches.

His crossing ability and set-piece delivery are often praised, and he's also a reliable option for the team in both defensive and offensive situations.With 1534 minutes played this season, Cresswell has struggled to hold his own in one-on-one situations. Despite his long experience, he has been frequently beaten by attackers, contributing to West Ham's defensive struggles.

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Kyle Walker: 17.65%

Kyle Walker is widely regarded as one of the Premier League's best right-backs, not one of the worst. His pace, defensive capabilities, and attacking contributions make him a key player for both Manchester City and the England national team.

Walker has earned praise for his versatility, leadership, and consistency, helping Manchester City win numerous domestic titles, including the Premier League.Kyle Walker has long been known for his pace and physicality. However, the 32-year-old has struggled in recent times, especially with his performances in 1v1 situations.

Despite his important role in Manchester City's defense, Pep Guardiola has opted for John Stones over Walker, citing Stones' superior defending in one-on-one duels.

Conclusion:

The 2024-2025 Premier League season has revealed that even some of the most renowned defenders can struggle in one-on-one situations. Players like Tim Ream, Virgil van Dijk, and Kyle Walker, who have established themselves as strong figures in their respective teams, have faced difficulties in preventing attackers from breaking through.

While defensive stats provide a broader view of a player's overall performance, 1v1 defending remains a key indicator of a defender's individual quality. As the season progresses, these players will need to improve their one-on-one dueling skills to regain their reputation and help their teams succeed