Here are some of the best defensive players around…
There have been a lot of plaudits this season for the offensive players who have scored the most goals and got the most assists, but what about those players who have to do more defensive work?
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Here are the top 10 tacklers in the league, by how many successful challenges they make per game…
Stats courtesy of WhoScored.
10) Nemanja Matic, Chelsea, 3.4 tackles per game
The midfielder’s defensive work has meant that Chelsea’s attacking players have been free to take teams apart at the other end.
=8) Victor Wanyama, Southampton, 3.5 tackles per game
Another midfielder who has done the dirty work so that his colleagues are free to create and score goals.
=8) Ryan Mason, Tottenham, 3.5 tackles per game
The youngster has broken into the Spurs first team this season, and has been fairly solid so far this campaign.
=6) Antonio Valencia, Manchester United, 3.6 tackles per game
The former winger has been playing at right-back for most of this season, and has been doing a fairly good job of it.
=6) Martin Kelly, Crystal Palace, 3.6 tackles per game
The right-back has settled in well at the Eagles since moving there from Liverpool.
5) Morgan Schneiderlin, Southampton, 3.7 tackles per game
The Frenchman has been part of an overachieving Saints side, and has been missed since becoming injured.
4) Mohamed Diame, Hull City, 3.9 tackles per game
The midfielder has been in good form despite being part of an out of form Tigers team.
3) George Boyd, Burnley, 4 tackles per game
The defender is a great example of the hard working style that Burnley have been displaying this season.
2) Mile Jedinak, Crystal Palace, 4.1 tackles per game
The Eagles captain has been talismanic for the South Londoners this campaign.
1) Nathaniel Clyne, Southampton, 4.6 tackles per game
The right-back has rightly earned a place in the England set up through his performances this season.