Defence is often an underrated part of a football team’s success, but more often than not the top teams in the world are all built on a solid backline. The season has only just begun, but already, these teams have shown that their defences are hard to break down.
The top 10 defences have some surprising names on the list. Traditional superpowers miss out, while some unfancied teams make the list. Without much ado, let us look at the 10 best defences in Europe’s top 5 leagues right now:
#10 Genoa
Currently at 8th position in the Serie A table, Genoa have been extremely good defensively conceding only 2 goals in their 6 Serie A matches played so far. Genoa play in the 3-5-2 formation with Nicolas Burdisso, Santiago Gentilleti and Armando Izzo forming an impressive and solid backline.
Also read: 5 contenders for Golden Glove (Serie A)
The flying full-backs/wingers like Lazovic and Laxalt contribute immensely to the defence, tracking back tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes to help the team. Genoa’s defensive stats so far are extremely impressive:
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 5
Minutes/ goal conceded – 126
Most defensive actions – Nicolas Burdisso(8)
#9 OGC Nice
The surprise leaders of Ligue 1 right now, OGC Nice have had a dream start to the 2016/17 season. While Mario Balotelli’s goalscoring exploits have grabbed all the headlines, Nice’s high standing in the French league is mainly down to their defense.
Nice, like Genoa play in the 3-5-2 system and Dante, Saar and captain Baysse have performed admirably this season. Dalbert and Pereira have been absolute revelations at the wing-back position and Nice will be hoping to continue their fairytale run.Games played – 8
Goals conceded – 5
Minutes/ goal conceded – 144
Most defensive actions – Paul Baysse(11)
#8 Everton
New manager Ronald Koeman has been like a breath of fresh air at Everton and the blue half of Merseyside has regained its swagger again with some stunning performances in the Premier League. Sitting at 5th position, just behind rivals Liverpool, Everton are dark horses for a place in the top 4.
Also read: Idrissa Gueye: One of the buys of the season
Under Roberto Marinez, defence was the main problem with the Toffees leaking goals left right and centre. However, under Koeman, Everton who play in the 4-2-3-1 formation have tightened up considerably. The back 4 of Jagielka, Williams, Baines and Coleman is one of the best in the Premier League. Add to the mix, the irreplaceable talent of holding midfielder Idrissa Gueye and you have an extremely solid defensive unit.
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 5
Minutes/ goal conceded – 126
Most defensive actions – Phil Jagielka(11)
#7 RB Leipzig
Probably the most hated team in the Bundesliga because of their 'controversial' commercial structure. RB Leipzig have a very talented youthful team capable of finishing quite high on the Bundesliga table this season.
Also read: RB Leipzig's modern business model which other European clubs will soon follow
The starting XI has an average age of 23.2, but their displays this season have made the footballing world take attention. A youthful back 4 have succeeded in shutting out most attacks with Willi Orban playing a starring role.
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 5
Minutes/ goal conceded – 126
Most defensive actions – Willi Orban(8)
#6 Villarreal
Villarreal might have lost Eric Bailly this summer, but their defensive performances have actually improved after Bailly’s departure. The centre-back pairing of Matteo Musacchio and Victor Ruiz have been really solid at the back and their defensive performances have been a key reason for Villarreal’s 5th position on the La Liga table.
Playing in a traditional 4-4-2 formation, Villarreal under Fran Escriba have been really disciplined this season and will be looking to finish in the Champions League places.
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 4
Minutes/ goal conceded – 157.5
Most defensive actions – Mateo Musacchio and Vitor Ruiz (9)
#5 Juventus
The Juventus defence is famed for being miserly and it is no surprise that they make this list. Playing in their distinctive 3-5-2 formation with flying full-backs, Juventus are the favourites to claim the Serie A title for a 6th consecutive season.
Also read: Assessing Juventus 2016/17 transfer window
With ‘BBC’ (Bonucci, Barzagli and Chiellini) in their backline, Juventus have 3 of the best defenders in the world and with the excellent Sami Khedira providing defensive cover, Juventus are set to remain defensively solid for the rest of the season.
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 4
Minutes/ goal conceded – 157.5
Most defensive actions – Leonardo Bonucci(7)
#4 FC Koln
Sitting pretty at 4th on the table, FC Koln have really been solid at the back this season. Playing in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, Koln have shackled many attacking teams and succeeded in shutting out some top forwards across the German League.
Mavraj, Sorensen and Hector have been particularly impressive this campaign and Koln will be hoping that the defensive unit continue their good performances for the rest of the season.
Games played – 6
Goals conceded – 3
Minutes/ goal conceded – 180
Most defensive actions – Mergim Mavraj (11)
#3 Tottenham Hotspur
Considered by many to be the outside favourites for the Premier League title, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspurs have started off extremely impressive. Known for their hard work, tactical nous, and good pressing skills, Tottenham have been very well organised this season.
The lilywhites have been extremely disciplined this season and Pochettino will be hoping to ensure his side does not fall away at the end like last season.
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 3
Minutes/ goal conceded – 210
Most defensive actions – Jan Vertonghen (11)
Also read: Top 5 holding midfielders in the English Premier League
#2 Bayern Munich
Carlo Ancelotti’s Bayern Munich have been expectantly dominant in the Bundesliga. Not only have they been among the best-attacking teams, they are also the best defensive team in the League.
Blessed with brilliant and multiple options across the backline, Bayern Munich's defence is almost impenetrable in the Bundesliga. Here are the insane stats from this season:
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 2
Minutes/ goal conceded – 270
Most defensive actions – Javi Martinez and Mats Hummels (5)
#1 Atletico Madrid
Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid have been extremely impressive once again this season and as always Simeone’s team have made themselves extremely solid defensively. Diego Godin has once again been at his best and Atletico Madrid’s defensive record is only set to improve when he is set to return from his short injury lay-off.
Also read: Atletico are tougher opponents than Real Madrid, claims Barcelona forward Paco Alcacer
Extremely hardworking and a complete unit, Atletico Madrid are the best defensive team in Europe and Simeone will be hoping that the Rojiblancos go one step forward and win the La Liga this season. Atletico Madrid’s defensive stats so far have been absolutely unbelievable:
Games played – 7
Goals conceded – 2
Minutes/ goal conceded – 315
Most defensive actions – Stefan Savic (10)
The top 10 defensive teams in the top 5 European Leagues paint an interesting picture and if the initial few games are anything to go by, these teams might well surprise quite a few people by the end of the season.
Stats courtesy – Squawka.com
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