Top 8 defenders in the Premier League
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed here are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those of the site.
Leighton Baines
The English defender is one of the best left backs in Premier League. Baines, who previously made 145 appearances for Wigan Athletic moved to the Merseysiders Everton for 5 million euros in the year 2007. The left back is often involved in Everton goals and is in great demand. The Red Devils were also interested in the English defender but Everton reportedly rejected Man United’s offer in the summer transfer window.
Rafael Da Silva
The Brazilian international moved to Manchester United F.C in 2007 along with his twin brother Fabio Da Silva from the Brazilian club, Fluminense Football Club. He has been Alex Ferguson’s go-to guy for the rightback position in the recent years. The Brazilian international has scored few goals for Manchester United squad and has also assisted many. He is one of the best right backs in the Premier League.
Ashley Williams
The Welsh defender moved from Stockport County to Swansea City and has successfully made 203 appearances for the Premier League club, netting 11 times. He was previously loaned to Swansea City but he later made his move permanent. He has played every minute of Swansea matches for the past 3 seasons. Due to his consistent good performances at the Welsh club he was subject to a bid from Queens Park Rangers, but it was rejected by Swansea.
Steven Caulker
The 21-year-old English footballer who was loaned to Swansea City from Tottenham Hotspur has made impressive number of clearances in the past few seasons. He was previously loaned to Bristol City and Yeovil Town F.C. The Spurs defender has been on loan spells for the past few seasons. He has now returned to the Spurs side and has successfully made 14 appearances for the Whites and is one of the key defenders in the Spurs squad.
Ashley Cole
The English international who moved from Arsenal to Chelsea Football club in the year 2006 is one of the best defenders in the Chelsea squad. The ex gunner has won a Premier League, 4 FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League with Chelsea. He was a very important part of the Chelsea team that won their first-ever Champions League trophy. He has been a consistent player throughout his career.
Thomas Vermaelen
The Belgian footballer and captain of Arsene Wenger’s side Arsenal is one of the top rated defenders in English Premier League. He has made 89 appearances for the Gunners and has netted 13 goals. He has kept the opponents from scoring goals against the Gunners. Vermaelen has been very consistent for Arsenal.
Vincent Kompany
The Belgian footballer who captains the English defending champions Manchester City has been a wonderful player for the Citizens. He has been consistent and scored a winner against their rivals Manchester United in the derby match last season, which paved the path to their first Premier League win after 44 years. The Belgian defender made a move from the German team Hamburg to Manchester City in 2008.
Gareth McAuley
Gareth Gerrard McAuley is an the Irish footballer who previously played for Ipswich Town F.C and made a move to the Premier League club West Bromwich Albion in the year 2011. He signed a three year contract with the Baggies. His consistent attacking prowess and remarkable defensive records have lifted West Brom to one of the top positions in the Premier League table. His remarkable defending skills have made him one of the key players in the West Brom squad this season.