Best defenders in the Premier League

Every time a goal is scored, it means that the best defender of the conceding team is beaten. As simple as that. But does that mean the defender ain’t the team’s best or does it mean the scorer is the better man?

It’s the known truth that even the best defenders across the world are beaten multiple times and even the best defensive teams in the world have lost matches. So, how do we judge a defenders qualities and how can we say if he’s one of the best.

Let’s have a look at the top 5 defenders in the Premier League and find out if they deserve the title of the best defender in the Premier League

5. Jan Vertonghen

The Spurs player is a definite name when it comes to the top defenders in the Premier League. He has been ever present and ever consistent in the new look Tottenham Hotspurs team who have been on the rise for the past three seasons. He’s is not those great ball playing defenders who are liked by managers like Guardiola and Zidane. Vertonghen is an out-right-pure-old school center back who just defends his team.

Good in the air with great tackling skills. This 30 year old Belgian is a key figure for Spurs. The only disadvantage at his side is age. He’s currently in his prime but not for long.

4. David Luiz

The curly haired eccentric Brazilian has always been a fan favorite at the Stamford Bridge. He might not have been that dependable during his first spell at Chelsea but after his return and under the guidance of Antonio Conte, Luiz has truly matured into one of the finest defenders, not only in the Premier League, in the world.

He is great ball playing center back who is pretty good with his head. He doesn’t slide much but can stop any attacker with his strong standing skills but what truly makes him exciting to watch are those sudden forward runs that he makes in the game. Not many defenders do that in football any more as they fear walking out of their position and leaving behind a gap but Luiz isn’t afraid to do so.

3. Toby Alerweireld

This 24 year old Spurs center back would easily fit into any team. His ability to read the game and intercept a pass is just astounding. It is his partnership with Vertonghen that have helped Spurs become one of the best defensive team in the Premier League.

He is young and still has years ahead of him. He’s yet to reach his prime years and will only become better with time. There is no doubt that Pochettino is a good coach and there is a difference between being good and great. If Toby gets a chance to work with managers like Mourinho or Conte or Guardiola or Simeone, he should just go for it. Managers like these can easily take him to the next level.

2. Kyle Walker

There’s a reason why Manchester City spent around 50 million for Walker. Easily the fastest and best ball playing defender in the premier league and someone who can easily adapt into the wing-back position. Walker checks every box that Pep Guardiola demands from a defender and after his move to Manchester City, Walker has easily become a sure starter for Guardiola.

Currently in his prime, there isn’t much that Walker needs to improve. All he needs now is a couple of trophies to his name.

      1. Cesar Azpilicueta

This Spaniard had played almost every game of Chelsea in their last two title winning campaigns. He is ever present and ever dependable. He has played on every position in the field a defender can play for. He started as a right back, then moved on to become a left back, occasionally deployed at the wing-back position as well and now he is well settled and established as a center back in Antonio Conte’s back three.

He was also the obvious choice to become the club captain in place of Cahill, for it is a rare phenomenon when Azpi has had a poor game. Trying to think of a time when he hasn’t performed well, makes me go clueless. Even in Chelsea’s disastrous 2015-16 campaign, Dave was a standout performer. There is no match for him when it comes to one on one situations and at the moment, Cesar Azpilicueta is the best defender in the Premier League.