Gary Neville has claimed that Cesar Azpilicueta is the best defender in the Premier League
Manchester United and Liverpool Legends Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher have named Chelsea ace Cesar Azpilicueta as their choice for the best defender in the Premier League.
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This will come as a surprise when there are players such as Branislav Ivanovic and Vincent Kompany in the same division. The pair claimed this on Sky Sports on Monday night, what do you think of their reasoning?
With this in mind, here are the actual top 10 defenders in the Premier League, according to CaughtOffside.
10) Ashley Williams, Swansea City
The Swansea skipper has been of huge importance to the Welsh side since their promotion to the Premier League. Linked to a move to a bigger club in the past, at 30-years-old he could now stay at the Swans for the duration.
9) Gary Cahill, Chelsea
The England international has been at the heart of the best defence in the country for several years now. He is rightly seen as skipper John Terry’s natural successor, which is no small compliment.
8) Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton
Clyne has contributed to the Saints’ brilliant start to the season by being part of the best defence in the league. They have only conceded five goals in 10 games so far, and the 23-year-old has rightly earned a call up to the England squad as a result.
7) Winston Reid, West Ham United
Another who has helped his side to a lightning start to their campaign, Reid has recently been linked to a move to Arsenal as a result.
6) Seamus Coleman, Everton
Better known for his work going forward, the 26-year-old has matured in to a top defender since his first introduction to the Premier League as a midfielder.
5) Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal
Arsenal’s defence looks far weaker without the centre-back in it, and they will do well to cope without him while he is injured.
4) Pablo Zabaleta, Manchester City
The Argentine has managed to hold on to his place at the Citizens despite all the money that has been spent since the takeover after he joined. Great going forward as well as at the back.
3) Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea
Not quite as high as Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher would put him, but the Spaniard is still one of the best players in the league in terms of his defensive work.
2) Vincent Kompany, Manchester City
Similarly to Zabaleta, the Belgian actually signed for the club before their massive takeover. He has since been integral to the side which has won two league titles. The Sky Blues look a far worse team without him on the field.
1) Branislav Ivanovic, Chelsea
The Serb is deservedly top of this list. Started off at Chelsea as a centre-back and still plays there when needed, but his true home is now at right-back. Rarely makes a mistake, and it was telling that Manchester United scored almost as soon as he was off the pitch on Sunday.