Southampton dominate the list, which may explain their great defensive record…
The Premier League is known for its hard tackling, rough and tumble nature, compared to the continental leagues.
Here are the top ten tacklers in the division, ranked by how many they make every game. The list shows a big reason why Southampton are second in the league, with three of their players in the top ten.
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Stats courtesy of Whoscored.com.
10) Mauricio Isla, QPR, 3.4 tackles per game
The QPR man is on loan from Italian champions Juventus, and has done his best to improve Harry Redknapp’s side’s terrible defensive record.
9) Nemanja Matic, Chelsea, 3.5 tackles per game
The midfield enforcer has been a massive part of Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season. It is his hard work that allows Cesc Fabregas to pull the strings from the centre of the pitch
8) Antonio Valencia, Manchester United, 3.7 tackles per game
The Ecuadorian may have started life off on the wing, but he now finds himself being used more and more as a full-back.
7) George Boyd, Burnley, 3.8 tackles per game
Boyd moved to Burnley in the summer and has been a key member of a hard-working Clarets side ever since.
=4) Victor Wanyama, Southampton, 3.9 tackles per game
The 23-year-old has helped the Saints to a lightning start to the season. He is the first of three Southampton players on the list.
=4) Craig Gardner, West Brom, 3.9 tackles per game
The Baggies made a shaky start to the campaign, but have picked up recently. Gardner’s midfield tackling will have had something to do with that.
=4) Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton, 3.9 tackles per game
The Frenchman may have wanted out in the summer, but he has now continued a strong midfield partnership with Victor Wanyama. One of the few areas of continuity for the Saints.
3) Mohamed Diame, Hull City, 4.5 tackles per game
Diame’s hard work in midfield allows for Tom Huddlestone to concentrate on building attacks for the Tigers.
2) Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace, 4.6 tackles per game
The Eagles skipper is massive for his team. Palace tend to look lost when he is out of the side.
1) Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton, 5 tackles per game
The left-back has quite rightly been called up to the England squad on the back of his performances this season. He is miles ahead at the top of this list.