“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:

6th. Manchester United (Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez)

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.

5th. Arsenal (Gabriel and Ben White)

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 and Marseille.

It seems Saliba will be staying put this time around but, at the age of 21, we won't be surprised if Arteta goes with his tried and tested combination of Gabriel and White.

For now, anyway.

4th. Tottenham (Cristian Romero and Clement Lenglet)

Antonio Conte is likely to play three central defenders at Tottenham with Eric Dier likely to join Romero and Lenglet. But for the purposes of this article, we're looking at just these two.

Romero impressed hugely towards the end of last season and is now considered one of the best centre-backs in the league.

Lenglet has been signed on loan from Barcelona with the Frenchman having the ability to play out of the back with his left foot. We can't see Spurs conceding too many goals in 2022/23.

3rd. Chelsea (Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva)

A host of defenders left Stamford Bridge this summer, including the brilliant Antonio Rudiger.

But Thomas Tuchel has responded with the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly for £33 million from Napoli. The Senegalese has been considered one of the best defenders in world football for many years and should fill the void left behind by Rudiger.

The 31-year-old could form a formidable partnership with 37-year-old (soon to be 38) Thiago Silva.

However, it seems as though Chelsea will sign at least one more defender with Jules Kounde AND Presnel Kimpembe both linked. There's also 19-year-old Levi Colwill, who impressed at Huddersfield on loan last season.

2nd. Manchester City (Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte)

Man City's back line remains untouched with Dias and Laporte likely to start the season in the heart of defence.

John Stones and Nathan Ake will provide competition but we imagine it'll be Dias and Laporte starting on the opening day of the season.

1st. Liverpool (Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate)

We're saying Liverpool have the best defensive duo heading into the new season. The Reds conceded just 26 goals in the Premier League last season - although they have Alisson to thank for that record.

Joel Matip played the majority of league matches but we think Konate will get the nod this campaign. The Frenchman looked brilliant next to Van Dijk whenever he started last season and we think it's time for the 23-year-old to be a regular starter.

Van Dijk and Konate is not a defensive duo you'd like to play against, is it?