Ben Gibson is a commanding English centre-back who brings leadership and top-level experience to the Stoke City defence. A product of Middlesbrough's academy, Gibson rose through the ranks to become a mainstay and captain of his hometown club, playing a pivotal role in their promotion to the Premier League in the 2015-16 season. His performances earned him an England U21 cap and a high-profile move to Burnley. After a loan spell at Norwich City, he found a permanent home at Stoke City, where he has re-established himself as a first-choice defender in the Championship. Gibson is a classic, no-nonsense defender: strong in the air, positionally astute, and a vocal organiser at the back. His left-footedness adds balance to the defensive line. Now in his early thirties, he remains a crucial component of Stoke's efforts to build a solid foundation and challenge for promotion.