Jon Flanagan (Liverpool)
Jon Flanagan didn’t play in the Premier League between April 2012 and November 2013, but upon regaining his place in the Liverpool side this season it is fair to say that he has grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
The 21 year-old averages 3.6 tackles per game, which is the fourth highest total in the top flight – though he has been dribbled past more times than any other Premier League defender this season.
Flanagan has even earned praise from Brazil legend Cafu, who was pleased to hear that the Liverpool youngster had been nicknamed after him.
Good to see the RedCafu is playing well! Liverpool amazing to watch!
— Cafu. (@officialcafu) March 30, 2014
Incidentally, Raheem Sterling does not feature on this list because strictly speaking his breakthrough came last season.