Liverpool’s Brazilian pipped by a combative Argentine.
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These ten stars have averaged more tackles per match than anyone else in the Premier League so far this season…
10) James McCarthy – Everton – 3.4 tackles per game
While Gareth Barry ticks over play and dictates tempo, McCarthy is charged with winning back possession from the opposition. Despite his tackles, the Irishman can pass the ball as well, and suits Roberto Martinez’s style perfectly.
9) Joel Ward – Crystal Palace – 3.4 tackles per game
Ward is comfortable in a number of positions, but has been most regularly used at right-back for Palace. He is defensively solid, and prefers to remain in his own half rather than venture forward up the right flank.
8) Cesar Azpilicueta – Chelsea – 3.5 tackles per game
The Spanish fullback has kept Ashley Cole out of the Chelsea side this season, and impressed everyone with his ability to support Chelsea going forward while remaining defensively responsible at the back.
7) Cheick Tiote – Newcastle – 3.6 tackles per game
Tiote is known for his all-action approach, so it’s no huge surprise to see the Ivorian make this top 10. When fit, his work-rate and never-say-die attitude is essential to Alan Pardew’s side.
6) Erik Pieters – Stoke City – 3.6 tackles per game
The Dutchman arrived at Stoke last summer, and has been quietly impressive for Mark Hughes’ outfit. As well as his tackles, he also averages nearly two interceptions every match as well.
5) Aaron Ramsey – Arsenal – 3.7 tackles per game
Before his season was cruelly curtailed by injury, Ramsey was a brilliant influence both offensively and defensively for the Gunners. He scored eight and assisted six, but this tackle stat shows his excellent overall contribution to matches.
4) Morgan Schneiderlin – Southampton – 3.8 tackles per game
The Frenchman is a combative box-to-box influence for the Saints, and is more than happy to get stuck in when needed. He’s never been called up for his country, and will actually soon be eligible to play for England!
3) Pablo Zabaleta – Manchester City – 3.8 tackles per game
City’s Argentine is rated as one of the best right-backs in the Premier League. His engine up the flank is exceptional, as his is harrying of the opposition that regularly wins back possession for his side.
2) Lucas – Liverpool – 3.9 tackles per game
The Brazilian is injury prone, but when he’s fit, he’s an automatic starter for the Reds, because of the wonderful defensive platform he provides his side. His tackles and interceptions give the rest of the side the licence to perform.
1) Claudio Yacob – West Brom – 4.3 tackles per game
No player in the country makes more tackles per match than the Baggies’ bustling Argentine battler. Yacob loves a dogfight in the middle of the park, and while he’ll win no plaudits for style, he’s invaluable to his side.
Stats courtesy of WhoScored.