William Gallas has named the two best defenders in England – snubbing players like Virgil van Dijk and Raphael Varane.
Gallas spent more than a decade in England, winning two Premier League titles at Chelsea before moving to Arsenal in 2006.
Gallas spent four years at the Emirates before making a controversial move across north London to Tottenham, where he stayed until 2013.
The 44-year-old was asked by Genting Casino who he sees as the best defenders currently in the Premier League, and picked out Man City’s Ruben Dias and Chelsea’s Thiago Silva.
Gallas said: ‘I will speak about two players. I will speak about Thiago Silva because, he always finds the edge. I think what he does for Chelsea, it’s magnificent.
‘As you know, to play in the Premier League it’s not easy. It’s very physical. And Thiago Silva is 36 years old. He is the boss of that defence. He’s mature, he’s got experience.
‘So that’s why players like Rudiger and Chalobah, when they play next to Thiago Silva, they feel secure. Thiago Silva, with his experience, he takes all the pressure on his shoulder.
‘So that’s why Chalobah, Rudiger, Christensen play so well. Thiago Silva is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
‘But as well, you’ve got Ruben Dias at Man City. He is a very strong, and a very thoughtful defender. He doesn’t make a lot of fouls. In his position, that is always good. That is how he communicates to his team.
‘He doesn’t speak a lot, but he doesn’t have to. But you know, he looks strong. So those two players, for me, are the best defenders in the Premier League.’
Gallas has also backed Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea to surpass Liverpool and Manchester City and win the Premier League title this campaign.
Asked for his title prediction, Gallas said: ‘Chelsea, because I have to support Chelsea! Even though City and Liverpool are strong, I feel Chelsea can do it and as a former player will back them to do so.’