This guide ranks the top 10 strongest footballers currently playing in the Premier League, based on their consistent performances and in no particular order.
We’ll look into the strengths and playing styles of each footballer, highlighting their height, weight, and some key attributes.
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Who Are The Strongest Football Players In The Premier League Right Now?
According to the FIFA Index ranking, here are the strongest footballers in the premier league:
| Rank | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virgil van Dijk | CB |
| 2 | William Saliba | CB |
| 3 | Erling Haaland | ST |
| 4 | Adama Traore | WF |
| 5 | Axel Disasi | CB |
| 6 | Willy Boly | CB |
| 7 | Harry Maguire | CB |
| 8 | Kristoffer Ajer | CB |
| 9 | Ibrahima Konaté | CB |
| 10 | Sven Botman | CB |
1. Virgil van Dijk
- Strength- 93
- Height- 193 cm
- Weight- 92 kg
Virgil van Dijk is one of the most powerful football players in the Premier League right now. He is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a center-back for Liverpool and the Netherlands national team.
Virgil van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation. He is known for his strength, leadership, speed, and aerial ability.
Van Dijk is a physically strong player, standing at 193 cm tall and weighing 92 kg. He is right-footed and usually plays on the left-hand side of central defense, although he can also play on the right side.
His strength rating is 93. Van Dijk has many skills that make him stand out. He is fast, has good technique, and is an effective set-piece taker.
His former Celtic teammate, Kris Commons, praised him for being “comfortable on the ball” and having a “wonderful right foot.”
Commons also noted that Van Dijk was good at free-kicks and could read the game well. Neil McGuinness, a senior scout at Celtic, described Van Dijk as the ideal central defender.
He praised his aerial prowess, ball-playing skills, and leadership qualities. McGuinness also noted that Van Dijk has become more tactically aware since moving to England.
In 2018, Steve Douglas of The Globe and Mail described Van Dijk as “powerful in the air, measured with the ball at his feet, quick, and with superb positional sense.”
In a 2019 interview, Lionel Messi called Van Dijk very difficult to beat, noting his agility, speed, and impressive defense and attack abilities.
Paul Merson described him as “the best in the world” as a defensive center-half. Even former Manchester City defender, Vincent Kompany called Van Dijk the best center-back in Premier League history.
In 2022, Erling Haaland praised Van Dijk for being “fast, strong, and ‘bad’ smart,” and in 2023, Ben Foster claimed Van Dijk was the “best defender that has ever lived” during his peak at Liverpool. Overall, Virgil van Dijk is considered one of the strongest and best defenders in the Premier League today.
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2. William Saliba
William Saliba has established himself as a wall in Arsenal’s defense. He is tall, strong and moves with the kind of confidence you only see in top defenders
What makes him stand out is not just his size but the way he uses it. You can tell right away that he is not someone attackers enjoy going up against. He doesn’t just stand his ground, he dominates it.
His physical strength plays a big role in how he defends. He shrugs off pressure with ease. When a forward tries to push past him, it almost always ends with Saliba winning the ball or forcing them back. He rarely dives into challenges recklessly. Instead, he uses his body smartly to shield the ball, hold off opponents and guide them away from dangerous areas.
In one-on-one duels, he is almost unbeatable. His upper body strength lets him muscle attackers off the ball without committing fouls. You’ll often see him absorb pressure, keep his balance and then come out with the ball like nothing happened. That calmness under pressure makes him look years older on the pitch than he actually is.
Saliba’s strength also gives his team confidence. When he’s at the back, players know they can push forward because he’s got things locked down. Set pieces? He’s there. Counter attacks? He’s there too. And when he makes a strong tackle or holds off a striker, it lifts the crowd and energizes his teammates.
He’s not just a big guy in defense, he’s a smart and strong defender who knows how to use his body well. That’s what makes him such a key figure at the heart of Arsenal’s backline.
3. Erling Braut Haaland
- Strength- 93
- Height- 195 cm
- Weight- 94 kg
Erling Braut Haaland is one of the strongest football players in the Premier League today. He has a strength rating of 93, stands tall at 195 cm, and weighs 94 kg.
Haaland is not only a prolific goalscorer but is also considered one of the best players in the world. He has all the qualities of a perfect center-forward.
Haaland uses his big frame to hold the ball well and involve his teammates. He has the speed and smart movement to run past defenders, can dribble and create chances, and is good at finishing with both feet and his head.
Often, he comes deep to collect the ball and help his team build-up play. He likes to pass the ball wide to a teammate before sprinting towards the goal.
Sometimes, he moves so deep that defenders can’t follow him, allowing him to turn with the ball and create from a forward position.
In the penalty area, he makes quick movements to find space, making it hard for defenders to predict his actions.
When Haaland plays with his back to the goal, he uses his body well to protect the ball. He is strong enough to keep possession under pressure and can help his team by holding the ball after a clearance.
You can see his creativity when he moves into the channel on the left inside. While his main goal is to shoot, he can also pass to a teammate making a late run.
His ability to carry the ball quickly helps create chances, especially on counter-attacks. Even though he doesn’t touch the ball as much as a typical striker, his calmness, patience, timing, and movement off the ball are crucial in building up plays.
Haaland looks up to Zlatan Ibrahimović and Cristiano Ronaldo but also admires players like Michu, Jamie Vardy, Sergio Agüero, and Robin van Persie.
After his amazing first season in England, Gary Neville called Haaland “truly unique,” comparing his strength and skill to Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, and Ronaldo Nazário. Pep Guardiola, his manager, believes Haaland can get even better.
In 2022, Jürgen Klopp named Haaland the “best striker in the world” and praised his physical and technical abilities. FIFPRO declared him the “deadliest striker in football today.”
4. Adama Traore
Adama Traore is one rare footballer who looks like a bodybuilder. His arms are huge. His chest is wide. His legs are packed with muscle. You don’t often see a footballer built like that. But what makes it even crazier is that he’s not just strong but also very fast. That combination is what makes him such a nightmare for opponents.
It is a no-brainer that he trains hard and puts in serious work in the gym. You can see it in every muscle. His body is the result of serious discipline and years of bodybuilding alongside football. And the best part is, he knows how to use it on the pitch.
When he runs with the ball, no one wants to get in his way. Players try to shoulder him off, but they just bounce away. He doesn’t lose balance. He doesn’t fall. It’s like trying to stop a bull with your bare hands. His upper body strength helps him keep control even when defenders grab his shirt or try to pull him down.
In tight spaces, he uses his body like a shield. He turns, leans in, and holds the ball like it’s glued to his feet. Tackles don’t move him. It gives him time to think, to pick out a pass, or to burst forward again.
Every time he plays, you can see the advantage of that powerful frame. He doesn’t get bullied. He does the bullying. His bodybuilding has turned him into one of the strongest wingers in the game. Not just in the gym, but where it matters — on the pitch.
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5. Axel Disasi
- Strength- 92
- Height- 190 cm
- Weight- 86 kg
Axel Wilson Arthur Disasi is a French footballer hitting the ground for Chelsea in the Premier League. Standing at an impressive height of 190 cm and weighing 86 kg, Disasi brings a formidable presence to the pitch.
Disasi’s career to the top began in the youth academy of Paris FC. He made his professional debut for the club in 2016 before moving to Reims later that year.
His football qualities caught the eye of Monaco, leading to a €13 million transfer in August 2020. Disasi didn’t disappoint, proving his worth in his debut match against former club Reims, scoring a crucial goal.
However, he sealed a move to Chelsea in August 2023 In £38.5 million transfer fee. Disasi wasted no time in making an impact, scoring on his debut against Liverpool and delivering a standout performance against Manchester City, where he made an astonishing 16 clearances, the most by any Chelsea player in eight seasons.
However, It’s not just about Disasi’s physical strength, but also his composure and tactical awareness on the field.
Despite his towering stature, he possesses agility and speed, making him a formidable opponent for any striker.
6. Willy Boly
- Strength- 91
- Height- 195 cm
- Weight- 97 kg
Willy Boly is one of the most muscular players In the Premier League right now. Boly, currently playing as a center-back for Nottingham Forest, possesses remarkable physical attributes that contribute to his strength on the field.
He’s an imposing figure, standing tall at 1.95 meters (6 feet 5 inches) and weighing 97 kilograms. His height and solid build make him a formidable presence in defense, often dominating aerial duels and holding his ground against opposing attackers.
Boly’s strength isn’t just about his physique; it’s also clear in his playing style. Known for his physicality and ability to outmuscle opponents, he is brilliant in challenges and tackles which makes it difficult for attackers to bypass him easily.
Despite his imposing stature, Boly is not just a brute-force player. He also possesses technical skills and tactical awareness, allowing him to anticipate plays and position himself effectively to thwart attacks.
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7. Harry Maguire
- Strength- 90
- Height- 193 cm
- Weight- 100 kg
Despite not having the best season, Harry Maguire’s combination of strength, height, and skill make him one of the strongest football players in the Premier League right now.
Maguire is a formidable presence on the football pitch, currently playing as a center-back for Manchester United, having begun his football career with Sheffield United’s youth system before making his first team appearance in 2011.
His time at Sheffield United saw him make 166 appearances for the club, where he showed his defensive and offensive abilities.
Known for his powerful headers, Maguire has proven to be a threat in set-piece situations. In 2017, Maguire moved to Leicester City, and he won the Player of the Season in the 2017-18 campaign.
His performances caught the eye of Manchester United, who secured his services in 2019 for a record-breaking fee of £80 million, making him the most expensive defender in the world.
Maguire has also been a mainstay in the England national team since making his senior debut in 2017. He has represented his country in major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro.
8. Kristoffer Ajer
- Strength- 90
- Height- 196 cm
- Weight- 94 kg
Kristoffer Ajer, the muscular Norwegian footballer with a height of 1.98 meters (6 feet 6 inches) and weighing 94 kilograms, is one of the strongest players in the Premier League right now.
Starting his professional career with Start in the Tippeligaen, Ajer quickly caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional physical attributes and footballing talent.
His talent led him to Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, where he also sharpened his skills as a central defender.
Ajer’s time at Celtic was seen by notable achievements, including a loan spell at Kilmarnock and a milestone of 100 appearances for Celtic’s first team.
In July 2021, Ajer joined Premier League club Brentford on a five-year deal. His move to the English top flight has been seamless, with Ajer showing his strength and defensive skills consistently.
He made his Premier League debut against Arsenal and netted his first goal for Brentford in a match against Southampton.
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9. Ibrahima Konaté
- Strength- 90
- Height- 194 cm
- Weight- 95 kg
Ibrahima Konaté Is one of the most powerful players in the Premier League. His physical strength, technical skill, and winning mentality make him a formidable opponent and a strong player for Liverpool as they continue their quest for glory in English football.
Konaté’s strength rating of 90 underscores his formidable presence in the heart of Liverpool’s defense. His imposing stature makes him a force to be reckoned with in aerial duels and challenges for possession.
Opponents often find themselves outmatched when battling against his physicality. But Konaté is more than just strength; he possesses the technical skills to match his strength.
His passing accuracy and ability to read the game allow him to anticipate and intercept passes with accuracy.
This combination of physicality and intelligence makes him a complete defender, capable of shutting down opposition attacks easily.
Liverpool signed him in 2021 from RB Leipzig for a fee of £36 million, and In his debut season, he secured both the EFL Cup and the FA Cup.
Comparisons to Liverpool’s defensive stalwart Virgil van Dijk are not unfounded. Konaté shares many traits with the Dutchman, from his positional awareness to his tackling technique.
Guido Schafer describes him as “a little bit of Virgil van Dijk,” when he highlights his potential to reach the same heights of excellence.
10. Sven Botman
- Strength- 90
- Height- 193 cm
- Weight- 81 kg
Sven Botman is not only one of the strongest footballers in the Premier League in terms of physicality, but also in terms of his skill, leadership, and ability to inspire his team both on and off the pitch.
At 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches) and weighing 81 kilograms, Botman cuts an imposing figure on the field. Hailing from Badhoevedorp, Netherlands, Botman began his football career with RKSV Pancratius before joining the renowned Ajax youth academy.
His rise through the ranks was steady, making his senior debut for Ajax in a friendly match against VVSB in June 2018.
Botman’s career took an international turn when he signed with Ligue 1 club Lille in July 2020, where he spent over two seasons.
His performances caught the attention of Premier League giants, and in June 2022, he made the move to Newcastle United in a record-breaking deal.
Since joining Newcastle, Botman has been a rock at the heart of their defense, marshaling the backline with authority and composure.
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I mean, we saw his impact when he scored his debut goal for the club in 8-0 victory over Sheffield United.
However, Botman’s career hit a temporary setback when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during an FA Cup match against Manchester City in March 2024.