Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea: Ranking the Premier League 'Big Six' centre-back duos

“Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles.”

A quote from arguably the greatest manager of all time, Sir Alex Ferguson.

And he should know.

Fergie led Manchester United to 13 Premier League titles during his illustrious career – and he certainly had a good defence to call upon.

So if a defence does win you titles, which club’s defenders could help them lift the Premier League this season?

Well, we’ve decided to rank the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ based on their predicted defensive duos ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

We’re well aware the transfer window hasn’t closed yet and signings could still be made. We’re also well aware that some team *looking at you Spurs* may not play just two central defenders. There’s also the chance the manager of the respective team may decide to pick different players from what we’ve opted for.

But which clubs in the ‘Big Six’ have the best defenders heading into the new season – and who has the ‘worst.’

Let’s take a look:

United have agreed a deal worth up to £57 million for Ajax’s Martinez. There’s no way the 24-year-old isn’t starting after a hefty transfer fee like that. Not to mention the fact the Argentine looks to be a really impressive defender.

The decision Erik ten Hag has to make is who to start next to him. The Dutch boss has already revealed Maguire will keep the captain’s armband so we believe he will at least start the season ahead of the likes of Raphael Varane, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof.

Struggle early in the season, though, and Maguire knows there are plenty of options for Ten Hag.

Mikel Arteta also has a decision to make at centre-back – and that involves William Saliba.

The Frenchman has impressed out on loan in the last three seasons with Saint-Etienne, Nice