19) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal)
A highly dependable and solid centre-back, Per Mertesacker has done well to respond to those who initially doubted him when he moved to the Premier League. Although not the quickest in the world, the German international, now a World Cup winner with over 100 caps, is an intelligent reader of the game and knows how to time his challenges to perfection. He is also solid in the air and scores the occasional important goal for club and country.