It should be quite clear to everyone, after three quarters of the 2021-22 Premier League season, who the best defender in the England is. It is Virgil van Dijk, who has returned to world-class form from Liverpool after recovering from a serious injury.
Virgil once again stands head and shoulders above the Premier League’s other top defenders, which include his counterparts from Manchester City and Chelsea, as well as fellow Liverpool team-mates.
So read on below as SBOTOP lists down the best defenders in the Premier League through the first three quarters of the season.
Virgil van Dijk, Centre-back, Liverpool
After missing most of the last campaign due to injury, Virgil has returned with a vengeance this season. The towering Dutchman has been back to his outstanding best at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, and it’s no coincidence that the Reds’ defensive record – not to mention their Premier League 2022 odds of winning the title – has significantly improved with his return.
Even after a serious knee injury, all the physical gifts that help make Virgil so great are still very much there. Meanwhile, the intelligence, anticipation, and leadership he exudes remain top notch. And he’s still virtually unbeatable at Anfield.
It’s been quite clear with his form this season that Virgil van Dijk is not only the undisputed best defender in the Premier League, but he’s simply the best defender in the world at the moment.
Ruben Dias, Centre-back, Manchester City
Dias wore the crown as the Premier League’s best defender in Virgil’s absence last season, but while Virgil looks set to reclaim that title this term, the Manchester City man is still easily the best of the rest.
The Portuguese international remains the rock of Man City’s league-leading defence, with his leadership helping keep everyone on the same page.
It’s anyone’s guess if Dias’ presence in the City defence is anywhere near as invaluable as Virgil’s turned out to be for Liverpool, but there’s no doubt that Dias is instrumental to City’s continued success.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Right-back, Liverpool
Alexander-Arnold still has his critics when it comes to the defensive side of his game, but no one can dispute that the production he provides to Liverpool’s prolific attack while playing at right-back is invaluable to the Reds’ success.
TAA is not only the league leader in assists this season with 11, but he is also at the top in progressive passes, through balls, and crosses. The statistics and the tons of Premier League 2022 highlights speak for themselves, and they show just what a unique and potent weapon Alexander-Arnold is from the right-back position.
Joao Cancelo, Full-back, Manchester City
However, Alexander-Arnold’s crown as the league’s top full-back has been under some serious threat this season from his City counterpart, Joao Cancelo.
Cancelo has not been nearly as prolific as Alexander-Arnold in terms of actual assists, but his outstanding range of passing has nevertheless been critical to City’s attacking system. He’s right up there with TAA in terms of progressive passes and is actually ahead of him in passes into the penalty area.
Cancelo also has the edge on TAA in terms of being more capable of dribbling his way into dangerous areas as well as defending from either the right or left side, which underscores his versatility.
Andy Robertson, Left-back, Liverpool
Robertson may sometimes be overlooked by many due to Alexander-Arnold’s brilliance and Cancelo’s rise, but the Liverpool left-back is fully deserving of his place in this list of top defenders.
The fact that he is tied for third in the league with nine assists is remarkable. Robertson just keeps tirelessly running up and down the left wing for Liverpool and remains so integral to their success.
Antonio Rudiger, Centre-back, Chelsea
The first non-City or Liverpool defender on the list, Rudiger has been a rock for Chelsea this season with his terrific consistency. Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel clearly trusts his fellow German, which is why Rudiger has started all bar one of Chelsea’s Premier League games this season.
Rudiger has shown in the first three quarters of this season just how crucial he is to this Chelsea team. And if the Blues aren’t willing to give him the big contract he wants when his current deal runs out this summer, some other top European team almost surely will.
Joel Matip, Centre-back, Liverpool
Matip may be the last of Liverpool’s back four to make this list, but he is certainly far from the least. The Cameroonian is always so calm and collected when he has the ball and is constantly making smart decisions and good passes.
Matip is the perfect complement alongside Virgil and their excellent partnership has been crucial to Liverpool’s defensive solidity.
Thiago Silva, Centre-back, Chelsea
Thiago Silva continues to age like fine wine. The 37-year-old has been outstanding for Chelsea this season as his leadership, composure and experience have made up for his diminishing physical abilities.
Despite his age, Silva has been surprisingly fit as he’s made 22 Premier League appearances (19 starts), which is second only to Rudiger among Chelsea defenders.
With the way the Brazilian is going, no one would put it beyond him to continue being among the best defenders in the Premier League for a couple more years.
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