The Top Five Defenders In The Premier League So Far This Season

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Galleries, West Ham United News

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Ham, Wolves

After looking at the best forwards in the Premier League last week, we turn our attention to the defenders this time round.

There are actually quite a few candidates for this list, with teams such as Manchester City, West Ham, Aston Villa, Leicester, Tottenham and Chelsea all having kept things tight at the back this season.

We have, though, managed to reduce the list to five players we believe deserve to be singled out for their defensive contributions.

Press the next page as we countdown the top defenders in the Premier League so far this campaign.

5) Vladimir Coufal (West Ham)

The Czech Republic international’s £5m move from Slavia Prague in October went under most peoples’ radar but he has quickly developed into one of the most consistent right-backs in the league.

Coufal seems just as comfortable playing as a wingback or in a back four and West Ham’s strong defensive record this campaign can be partly attributed to his displays.

4) Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)

The Villa captain certainly wouldn’t have been on this list at this stage last season, with his side having had one of the worst defences in the Premier League.

However, since Project Restart, the Villans have been very difficult to break down. This campaign, they have only conceded 26 league goals and a lot of that is down to Mings.

3) Angelo Ogbonna (West Ham)

The Italian international has been the Hammers’ leader at the back this season, and he is one of the big reasons why David Moyes’ side currently sit fourth in the league.

This is not a one-off by Ogbonna, as he was named the club’s runner-up for player of the year last campaign, and he is more than deserving of his place on this list.

2) Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)

The fullback found it hard to adapt during his first year with City but, after developing his game under manager Pep Guardiola, we have seen a totally different player this season.

Cancelo is capable defensively but his strengths lie going forward, leading Guardiola to develop a new hybrid position for him, which sees the defender move from fullback into central midfield areas.

1) Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

The Portuguese international’s impact on City’s backline has been massive. After struggling since the departure of Vincent Kompany, the Citizens have been transformed into the best defensive unit in the league, with much of it down to the £61m summer signing.

Dias is strong and agile, helping him to adapt quickly to English football, while his composure and technical ability make him a standout modern centre-back.

You may also be interested in reading:

The Top Five Forwards In The Premier League So Far This Season
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 8)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 7)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 6)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 5)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 4)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 3)
Five Premier League Wonderkids Who Failed To Live Up To Expectations (Part 2)