Ranking the 10 best Tottenham centre-backs ever

One of the bigger clubs in England, Tottenham have mostly been known for their star midfielders and attackers who have made a name for themselves in the past. However, the north London side have had some of the country’s finest defenders suit up for them in the past.

These players have understood what it means to be a Spurs player and have embodied the true spirit of the club and the fans. They spent several years representing the club and ended their careers as Tottenham legends in their own right.

Having said that, let’s take a look at the 10 best Tottenham centre backs of all-time.

10. Mike England

The now-retired Welshman was once a major stopping force in England’s First Division for Tottenham as well as Blackburn Rovers. He began his early career with the Rovers in 1959 and joined Spurs in 1966. A tall and imposing player, England’s presence in their backline allowed them to achieve some great success in the 1960s and 70s.

England made 359 appearances, scoring 19 goals and providing three assists, and also won one UEFA Cup, one FA Cup and two League Cups while representing Spurs. His impact at the club makes him one of the best Tottenham centre backs.

9. Cristian Romero

The only player on the list who still plays for Tottenham, Romero is a hard-tackling and dominant defender. Initially signed from Italian side Atalanta on a season-long loan in August 2021, Spurs made the Argentine’s deal permanent the following summer after he settled-in well with the squad.

A World Cup winner with his nation at the 2022 edition, Romero is the heartbeat of a new-look defence under Ange Postecoglou. He has made 98 appearances for the club, scoring six goals and providing one assist as well.

8. Harry Clarke

A one-club man throughout his relatively short career, Clarke’s contributions towards the championship-winning 1950/51 side make him one of the best Tottenham centre backs.

Clarke joined Spurs from Lovells Athletic in 1949 and went on to spend his entire senior career with Spurs. He made over 300 appearances for the club and even scored four goals in the process. He made just one appearance for England as well.

7. Maurice Norman

Norman began his early playing career with Norwich City in 1952 and made 35 league appearances for the Canaries before joining Spurs in 1955. He soon became a mainstay in the latter’s lineup, becoming one of the key members of the squad that achieved success in the 1960s.

Norman ended up spending 11 years at Tottenham, making over 350 appearances for the club. He won two FA Cup and one Cup Winners’ Cup while at the club, making him one of the best Tottenham centre backs. He also made 23 appearances for England, including games in the 1962 World Cup.

6. Sol Campbell

Campbell was one of the hottest prospects coming through Tottenham’s academy in the 1990s and went on to become a regular first-teamer. A strong, tall and quick defender, he was known for his tackling and heading ability, as well as his use of his physique.

He joined Spurs’ academy in 1989 and made his first team debut in 1992, going on to play for the club until 2001. He made 303 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists, but is often overlooked as he left to join Tottenham’s fiercest rivals Arsenal in 2001 under controversial circumstances.

5. Toby Alderweireld

Originally an Atletico Madrid player, Alderweireld’s unexpected season-long loan with Southampton in the 2014/15 season brought him into other Premier League clubs’ notice. Spurs were quick to move and signed him on a five-year deal in 2015 and he soon became an integral part of the first team.

A solid, tactically-sound and two-footed defender, Alderweireld was one of the first defenders at Spurs who was comfortable with the ball. He made 236 appearances for the club, scoring nine goals and providing five assists as well. He finished as a Champions League runner-up in 2018/19 and an EFL Cup runner-up in 2020/21.

4. Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen warmed himself up to fans even before he signed as he chose Spurs over Arsenal, who wanted to play him as a defensive midfielder. Vertonghen was a solid and composed defender, who had an incredible game sense and organisational ability. He joined the club in July 2012 and was the backbone of one of the most exciting eras in the club’s history.

Vertonghen made 315 appearances for the club, scoring 14 goals and also providing seven assists. He finished runner-up in the 2014/15 EFL Cup as well as the Champions League in 2018/19, but is considered as one of the best Tottenham centre backs of all-time.

3. Graham Roberts

Roberts kickstarted his playing career with one-year spells at Dorchester Town and Weymouth between 1978-80, before joining Spurs in 1980. Despite not being the tallest among defenders, his ability to read the game and play with the ball made him special.

Roberts spent just six years at the club but made close to 300 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing three assists. He is one of the most-decorated players on this list, having won two FA Cups, one UEFA Cup and one FA Charity Shield, making him one of the best Tottenham centre backs.

2. Gary Mabbutt

One of the most iconic personalities in Tottenham’s history, Gary Mabbutt is one of the few players who have come close to making 600 appearances for the club. He played his initial four years of his career between 1978-82 with Bristol Rovers, before joining Spurs. Another relatively short defender, he was known for playing with his heart on his sleeve.

Mabbutt made 579 appearances for the club, scoring 36 times and also assisting seven times. He won one FA Cup, one UEFA Cup and one FA Charity Shield, making him one of Tottenham’s best centre backs.

1. Ledley King

One of the rare modern-day one-club men, Ledley King is the undisputed leader among the best Tottenham centre-backs. He began his career in the youth setup in 1996, before making his first-team debut three years later.

A tall, strong, quick and intelligent defender, King was once highly-rated before injuries started hampering his progress as a player. He made 323 appearances for Spurs, scoring 14 goals and providing eight assists as well. He won the League Cup with Spurs in 2007/08.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is the best Centre Back in Tottenham’s history?

A. Ledley King is regarded as Tottenham’s best-ever centre back.