Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City defenders also feature…
(All stats used are courtesy of WhoScored.)
10) Jonny Evans – Manchester United
With legendary Premier League centre-backs in the United squad, Evans has managed to establish himself as a first-choice pick at the heart of defence. In fact, when Phil Jones has played alongside him, United have never lost a league match, and it’s this partnership David Moyes may well start relying on more regularly. Evans has completed nearly 89% of his passes, and also makes an impressive 8.8 clearances per match.
9) Gareth McAuley – West Brom
McAuley has arguably been the Baggies’ best player this term. At 34-years-old, he’s a true stalwart in defence, and has started every one of West Brom’s matches, chipping in with two goals as well. His side have conceded 28 goals, which is only a few more than Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table. McAuley is extremely strong and brave in the air, and makes up for his lack of pace with excellent positioning.
8) Curtis Davies – Hull City
Davies has been a revelation for the Tigers this term, and his form at the back has given them a genuine chance of staying up after last year’s promotion from the Championship. Unlike others on this list, Davies passes the ball long instead of looking for a nearby teammate – but it’s been his tackles (45) and interceptions (51) that have impressed the most.
7) Martin Skrtel – Liverpool
The Slovakian was almost forced out of the club during the summer, as manager Brendan Rodgers didn’t think he had the passing ability that suited his free-flowing footballing philosophy. This term though, Skrtel has played every minute of every Premier League match, and has a 92% passing accuracy this term.
6) Dejan Lovren – Southampton
After the first few months of the season, Lovren could well have topped this list – after he settled into Premier League life expertly. Southampton’s excellent defensive record tailed off at the start of December though, as did Lovren’s exceptional personal form. The 24-year-old Croat has still been brilliant in the air, and composed enough to carry the ball from defence.
5) Phil Jagielka – Everton
Everton have the joint best defensive record in the Premier League this term, along with Arsenal and Chelsea, and England defender Phil Jagielka has been central to this. Jagielka isn’t quick, but his bravery and positional sense makes him a fundamental cog in Roberto Martinez’s impressive outfit. He’s also made 174 clearances, which only thee players in the country can better.
4) Vincent Kompany – Manchester City
Ever since City’s captain has returned from injury at the start of December, they’ve looked like a considerably better side. They’ve won nine out of ten matches, and drawn the other one. Kompany is probably the best centre-back in country, and arguably in world football, and it’s only his lack of playing in the very early part of the season that stops him topping this list.
3) Per Mertesacker – Arsenal
When the giant German has been paired with Laurent Koscielny at the back, and both have completed the full 90 minutes, Arsenal have never lost a Premier League match. This says a lot about just how well they complement each other in defence. Mertesacker has been a fantastic leader for the Gunners this term, and is practically unbeatable in the air. For such a tall man, he is also relaxed and composed in possession, and he has barely put a foot wrong all season.
2) John Terry – Chelsea
The Chelsea skipper has been playing at his courageous best all season long. Terry clearly loves playing for Mourinho, who in turn appreciates the Englishman’s no-nonsense style, and consistent last-ditch tackles. Terry’s been so good that potentially world-class duo Gary Cahill and David Luiz have had to compete to play alongside him, for the Chelsea side who look ominously ruthless going into the second half of the season.
1) Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal
The top award should really go to both Koscielny and Mertesacker, as their partnership has been the real star – but we think the Frenchman’s slightly outshone his partner. Koscileny’s made more tackles, more blocks, more interceptions and more clearances than Mertesacker, so naturally deserves top spot. His wonderful composure with the ball at his feet, and ability to carry it into the midfield has also been especially noteworthy.
