Several defenders have delivered world-class performances in the 2024/25 La Liga season, cementing their place among Spain’s greatest. These centre-backs, ranging from young stars to established veterans, have played critical roles for their clubs. Here’s a list of the top ten centre-backs in La Liga this season, graded on performances, defensive contributions, and overall influence.
10. Omar Alderete (Getafe).
Alderete has quietly been one of the most underappreciated La Liga defenders this season. His aerial supremacy and combative approach have made him an important player for Getafe.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— 7.15 Average Rating
6.0 clearances per game.
— 68% of aerial duels won.
− 1.3 tackles per game.
His presence in the back has allowed Getafe to maintain defensive stability.
9. Nayef Aguerd (Real Sociedad; on loan from West Ham)
Since arriving to La Liga, Aguerd has been a revelation for Real Sociedad. His physicality and intellect have made him an outstanding defender.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— Average rating: 7.06
— 89% pass accuracy.
– 3.6 ball recoveries per game.
3.8 clearances per game.
Aguerd’s ability to disrupt play and initiate assaults from the back has proved critical for Sociedad.
8. Yeray Alvarez (Athletic Bilbao)
Yeray Álvarez, a key defensive player for Athletic Bilbao, has proven to be dependable. His no-nonsense defence and leadership have helped Bilbao remain competitive.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— Average rating: 7.01
− 1.3 tackles per game.
4.1 clearances per game.
— 60% of aerial duels won.
Bilbao’s defensive solidity is largely due to his steady performances.
7. Clément Lenglet (Atletico; on loan from Barcelona)
Clément Lenglet has rediscovered his rhythm at Atletico, after struggling with consistency in past years. His ability to play out of the back, paired with strong defensive efforts, has made him a valuable member of their backline.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— Average rating: 7.10
— 88% pass accuracy.
4.5 clearances per game.
– 3.3 ball recoveries per game.
His performances have revealed glimpses of the player who previously dominated at Barcelona.
6. Raúl Asencio (Real Madrid
This season, the young Spanish defender has been a steady backup for Real Madrid, but with Éder Militão’s injury, he has stepped up. His poise, passing abilities, and strong defensive play have made him a talent to watch.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— Average rating: 6.82.
— 93% pass accuracy.
— 1.8 clearances per game.
− 2.3 ball recoveries per game.
Asencio’s progress has been encouraging, and he could have a lengthy career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
5. José María Giménez (Atletico Madrid)
Giménez, a foundation of Atlético Madrid’s defence for many years, has maintained his usual high standards this season. Despite significant injury setbacks, his role in Diego Simeone’s backline remains critical.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— Average rating: 7.11.
• 1.1 tackles per game.
4.3 clearances per game.
— 2.9 total duels won.
His fierce yet intelligent defence has helped Atlético remain one of the most difficult teams to break down.
4. Dani Vivian (Athletic Bilbao).
Dani Vivian has been one of La Liga’s most consistent defenders this season. His consistency and leadership at the back have been critical to Athletic Bilbao’s successful defensive record.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— 7.15 Average Rating
– 1.5 tackles each game.
4.1 clearances per game.
— 61% of aerial duels won.
His defensive awareness and ability to read the game have been crucial to Bilbao’s bid for European football.
3. Pau Cubarsí, Barcelona.
At only 17 years old, Pau Cubarsí has taken La Liga by storm. The La Masia graduate has demonstrated amazing maturity for his age, combining outstanding placement with precision passes. His ability to understand the game and make critical decisions has gained him tremendous acclaim.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— 7.02 average rating.
— 93% pass accuracy.
— 2.8 balls recovered per game.
2.5 clearances per game.
— 65% of aerial duels won.
Cubarsí has the potential to be a major player for Barcelona and Spain in the future if he maintains his current performance.
2. Antonio Rüdiger(Real Madrid)
Antonio Rüdiger, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner, has once again demonstrated why he is considered as one of the top defenders in world football. His relentless defence, leadership, and ability to win physical clashes make him a terror for opponents.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— The average rating is 6.92
− 1.3 tackles per game.
3.7 clearances per game.
— 2.4% of duels won.
— 3.9 balls recovered per game.
Rüdiger’s physicality and ball-playing abilities have been critical to Real Madrid’s defensive solidity under Carlo Ancelotti.
1. Iñigo Martinez (Barcelona)
Iñigo Martínez, a prominent figure at Athletic Bilbao, will join Barcelona in 2023. While his first season with the club was solid, the 2024/25 season has been a different story—he has stepped up significantly, giving the best season of his career thus far.
📊 La Liga 2024/25 Statistics:
— 7.37 average rating (the highest-rated centre back)
— 91% pass accuracy.
— 3.9 balls recovered per game.
— 3.9 clearances per game.
— 62% of aerial duels won.
His ball control, positioning awareness, and ability to launch attacks from the back have made him an invaluable member of Flick’s defence.
