The 3 best defenders in the Premier League this season

With most pundits suggesting that the age of good defending has disappeared, and with this season recording a high of goals scored with 2.86 goals per game thus far, is the art of defending dead? Well, I think it may be dying but not quite dead yet and the defenders below are who I think are the best left in the Premier League.

To refine the choice I think I’ll stick to central defenders because the art of full back play has changed so much that they are now more of an attacking player with defensive duties than a purely defensive player, but the best centre-backs for me are a special breed. The last line of outfield defense ideally a combination between a brick wall and a good pair of pants; solid, hard to get around or over, and very supportive.

In no particular order, my top three defenders in the Premier League this season would be Ryan Shawcross, Phil Jagielka and Vincent Kompany. 

Shawcross and Jagielka have had their importance to their respective teams shown recently. Both have been offered and have signed significant contract extensions, and as for Vincent Kompany, well you don’t get to be club captain at Manchester City and captain of Belgium if there isn’t something about you.  

Phil Jagielka is the only ever-present in the league on that list, but Kompany, missing for three games with a groin strain, and Shawcross, missing for one game with a suspension after collecting five yellow cards, are all amongst the very first players on their respective team sheets. All of these defenders hark back to the days of hard-tackling, no nonsense defending, but also combine that with the ability to pick a pass and to stay composed on the ball.

Stoke, Everton and Manchester City are amongst the stingiest defenses in the league this term and Stoke can boast that they are the only top-flight team still unbeaten in the league at home.

The list won’t be to everyone’s taste and is only based on form this season, but I look forward to your suggestions (of other players and not where to go). If the list was larger it might have included Gary Cahill, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, but it’s tough at the top.

Peter Stickney

Follow @peterstickney

Comments

[william gallas]

I am the best defender in the league boss

[Victor keane]

Gary Cahill is miles ahead of shawcross and jagielka IMO and questionably kompany
Personally I put him up with the very best, he was superb vs Barcelona and consistent in the league unlike every other Chelsea player bar Cech
He would of fit right into the ballon d'or team of the year