The 14 best EFL Championship centre-backs right now ranked | OneFootball

The Championship is topped with top centre-backs, but who makes the top 14?

The Championship is a hotbed of potential, with an esteemed history of producing talented players who have gone on to play for some of the greatest clubs in Europe.

This season is no different, and while a small cohort of players will go on to play in the Premier League following promotion, others have likely been catching the gaze of higher powers with their performances.

But who are the best centre-backs in the second tier? Here, Football League World brings you the 14 highest-rated players in that position.

14 ? ? Lloyd Jones - Charlton Athletic

It was never going to be easy for Charlton Athletic to replicate their impressive League One defensive form in the Championship, but thanks to Lloyd Jones, the Addicks have done as well as can be.

Unsurprisingly, Jones' name pops up regularly among the leading defensive statistics in the division, ranking in the top three players for defensive contributions per 90 minutes, clearances per 90 and blocks per 90, according to Fotmob.

While the doubters will suggest that the 30-year-old has had more defensive work to do than defenders at the top of the table, he can only do the job in front of him, and he has done it with aplomb.

13 ? ? Cameron Burgess - Swansea City

Cameron Burgess may have endured a turbulent Premier League season with Ipswich Town last term, but he has gone some way to silencing his doubters at Swansea City this season.

The Australia international has been ever-present at the hub of the Swans' defence, and, apart from a couple of uncharacteristic performances against his former club, has delivered to a consistent level.

Indeed, he sits within the top 6% of centre-backs for defensive contributions, interceptions, blocked shots, recoveries and clearances, making him one of the highest-rated players in his position in the Championship.

12 ? ? Nat Phillips - West Brom

Let's face it, it has been a forgettable season for Nat Phillips and West Brom, and there has been a distinct possibility that the Baggies could be playing League One football next season.

If the Black Country outfit had suffered relegation to the third tier, then the former Liverpool man would surely garner a Championship move given his consistent performances at The Hawthorns and in his previous spell with Derby County.

Phillips' overall defensive statistics have been strong this season, despite his club's woeful form, with him ranking in the top 9% for interceptions and recoveries.

11 ? ? Jimmy Dunne - QPR

Jimmy Dunne's stock may have been on the decline over recent years, but not many players in the Championship boast the leadership and aerial ability that he does.

During spells at Sunderland and Burnley, the Republic of Ireland international showed great promise, but it is at Loftus Road where he has truly fulfilled his potential.

This season has been a mixed one for QPR, but one element that has remained consistent is Dunne's performances, with his 350+ defensive contributions placing him among the best in his position.

10 ? ? Jordan Storey - Preston North End

Preston North End's promotion hopes may have faded, but nobody can deny what an asset Jordan Storey has been to the Lancashire club this term.

The 28-year-old's time at Deepdale has been far from straightforward, as he was loaned out to then League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday in 2022, so it is a credit to how well he has progressed at the club since.

Not only has Storey been a consistent performer for Paul Heckingbottom's side, but his defensive work has been undeniable, with the defender sitting in the top 2% of centre-backs for interceptions.

9 ? ? Caleb Taylor - Millwall

Millwall possess one of the best defences in the Championship, and given that they have not found it as easy to score goals as the surrounding clubs, their defensive solidity may be enough to see them promoted.

Caleb Taylor has been one of the major reasons why the Lions have defended so well, and his average of two interceptions per 90 makes him one of the best central defenders to read the game in the division.

There is no question that the South London side took a punt on the former West Brom man, but given his contributions this season, it is already proving to be a worthwhile decision.

8 ? ? Christoph Klarer - Birmingham City

Those of a Southampton persuasion may remember Christoph Klarer from his days on the South Coast, although he never made a senior appearance for the Saints; now they have the pain of watching his rise at Birmingham City.

The towering centre-back was a cheat code for the Blues as they waltzed through League One, and now he has demonstrated his suitability for the second tier in near equal measure.

Not only has he dominated aerial duels with ease, but he also possesses some admirable passing statistics, making him one of the best ball-playing defenders in the Championship.

7 ? ? Cedric Kipre - Ipswich Town

Over the summer, Cedric Kipre was linked with a move to newly promoted Sunderland, and while he did not get a move to the Premier League, it may not be long before he reaches the pinnacle of English football.

Alongside Dara O'Shea, the Ivorian has forged a solid partnership, and it is a credit to the pair that they boast one of the best defences in the Championship.

While his defensive statistics may not stand out like his partner's, his ability with his feet is a clear strength, with his impressive passing stats and chance-creation setting him apart from centre-backs in the division.

6 ? ? Tristan Crama - Millwall

Not only has Tristan Crama been part of a stellar Millwall defence this season, but he has also provided significant moments in attack for Alex Neil's side, albeit he's played plenty of football at right-back.

The Frenchman has helped the South London club to keep a high number of clean sheets this season, but has crucially provided goals and assists as well.

Of course, it must be noted that the defender has also played as a right-back this season, but given that only three of his goal contributions came from that position, his attacking statistics from the middle are not misleading.

5 ? ? Jake Cooper - Millwall

Jake Cooper has been the experienced head in Neil's team, and his contributions at either end of the pitch have paved the way to Millwall's success this season.

The Lions' captain ranks highly across all defensive contributions in the Championship, with his clearances, recoveries and tackles guiding the South London club to a potential promotion.

Indeed, if Millwall do achieve promotion to the top table, then there is no better symbol at the club than Cooper, as he has already amassed over 400 appearances over almost a decade at The Den.