Chelsea skipper pipped by Arsenal’s exceptional Frenchman… (All stats used are courtesy of WhoScored.)
10) Gareth McAuley – West Brom
The 34-year-old defensive stalwart has been ever present in the Baggies’ defence this term, and has probably been their best player. He’s also scored two goals, and is extremely strong and brave in the air, and makes up for his lack of pace with excellent positioning. The Baggies have only conceded 28 goals so far, and largely have the Northern Irishman to thank.
9) Jonny Evans – Manchester United
The Northern Irishman is now preferred to Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand in the United defence, and 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. The 25-year-old has completed nearly 89% of his passes, and also makes an impressive 8.8 clearances per match.
8) Curtis Davies – Hull City
The Englishman has been excellent for the Tigers this season, and his heroic, ‘old-school’ defensive style makes him the perfect player to help Hull in their fight to stay in the Premier League this term. Unlike other defenders, Davies kicks 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) Dejan Lovren – Southampton
In the first few months of the season especially, Lovren was superb for the Saints, and was as effective in the air as he was composed with the ball at his feet for Pochettino’s impressive footballing outfit. Although his form has tailed off, he’s still proved a bargain summer signing, and at just 24-years-old, he’ll likely get even better.
6) Martin Skrtel – Liverpool
Skrtel has transformed his Liverpool career, and is now their most important defender, ahead of the likes of summer signing Mamadou Sakho and club vice-captain Daniel Agger. This season, he has learnt how to carry the ball from defence, and has rarely given the ball away either. He has a 92% pass completion ratio.
5) Phil Jagielka – Everton
Everton have only conceded 19 goals all season, which is the joint best in the Premier League, and largely have the excellent Jagielka to thank. The Englishman isn’t quick, but his bravery and positional sense makes him a fundamental cog in Roberto Martinez’s impressive outfit. His 174 clearances is only bettered by two other defenders in the country as well.
4) Vincent Kompany – Manchester City
Since the powerful Belgian defender returned from injury at the beginning of December, Manchester City have gone on to win nine out of ten matches. If he hadn’t been injured, his side would probably top the table right now, and he’d probably top this Pemier League centre-back list.
3) Per Mertesacker – Arsenal
Amazingly, when Arsenal’s two first-choice centre-backs have completed the full 90 minutes, they’ve never lost a match in the Premier League! The giant German has obviously been essential to this, and he is as good in the air as he is composed in possession. His leadership has also encouraged and motivated the players around him.
2) John Terry – Chelsea
The 33-year-old Englishman definitely deserves a place back in the England side for next summer’s World Cup. He’s been hands down the best English centre-back in the Premier league this year, and has all the characteristics Jose Mourinho rates in a defender – he’s strong, great in the air, and loves making tackles, blocks and interceptions.
1) Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal
Although any of the top three have played well enough to come out on top, we reckon Arsenal’s French centre-back has been the best of the lot. The 28-year-old has made more tackles, more blocks, more interceptions and more clearances than his partner, and his wonderful composure with the ball at his feet, and ability to carry it into the midfield has also been especially noteworthy.
