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The English Premier League is the home of breathless and unrelenting football. One of the keys to having a fast and furious game of football is to have players snapping at the heels of their opponents. These ball-winners are waiting to pounce on every loose ball available.
The Premier League boasts of a number of excellent ball-winners
The Premier League has teams that can afford the best footballers from around the world in various positions. Often, attackers get all the plaudits and recognition that comes with winning games. But the work of the ball-winners is hugely important as well.
To regain possession for one's team is an important way to start an attack and score goals, and to do this, players need to be able to read the game. A player who is able to read the game and effectively win the ball for his side is key for every team.
On that note, here is a list of five players who have regained possession most times for their teams in the Premier League so far this season.
#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold (140 Ball recoveries)
Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold is at the top or near the top of any list of Premier League full-backs at present. The 23-year-old Englishman was among the first to redefine the full-back role in the Premier League with his playmaking abilities and sheer number of assists.
Alexander-Arnold has successfully regained possession of the ball 140 times for Liverpool this season. The defender is charged with playing on the front foot by manager Jurgen Klopp. This allows him to move upfield and win the ball for his team regularly.
For any physical inadequacies he may have, Alexander-Arnold has shown that he has a very cool head and is a terrific reader of the game. For Klopp's Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is an indispensable member of the team.
#4 Christian Norgaard (141 Ball recoveries)
Brentford have been one of the surprise packages this season in the Premier League. Much of the praise for their blistering start to life in the top division should go to midfield anchor Christian Norgaard.
The Danish midfielder has contributed excellently to his team's success from his position at the base of midfield. Norgaard is an excellent reader of the game, and has already recovered possession for his side 141 times this season.
The Denmark international embodies all that has made Brentford a formidable side this season with his tenacity and high work-rate in the middle of the park.
#3 Rodri Hernandez (142 ball recoveries)
Manchester City have dominated the Premier League for the past couple of years under manager Pep Guardiola. The Spanish tactician's football style is based on quick passing and a high press. At the center of this style of play is Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernandez.
Rodri is a key player for Manchester City with his ability to sniff danger early and make interceptions and win tackles early before the opponents can settle. With Guardiola's insistence on a high, stifling press, Rodri is usually required to step out of his deep-lying position to win ball from opponents.
Rodri has already made 142 ball recoveries this season for runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City. It constitutes the third-highest such tally for any player this season in the Premier League.
#2 Ruben Neves (148 ball recoveries)
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfield maestro Ruben Neves has distinguished himself as the top midfielder in the Premier League. The Portuguese midfielder has been a regular at the Molineux Stadium in the Premier League.
Since the arrival of Bruno Lage at the club, Neves has had a central role at the club, as he is charged with regaining possession in the compact Wolves side. The 25-year-old is adept at keeping possession for his side with his passing ability and is equally adept at regaining possession from opponents.
Neves has already made 148 ball recoveries for Wolves this season. Neves has long been coveted by many of the top sides in the Premier League for his unique skillset and experience.
#1 Declan Rice (152 Ball recoveries)
West Ham United captain Declan Rice is without a doubt one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. The 22-year-old England international is one of the most rounded midfielders in the league. Rice can tackle, intercept, pass and shoot efficiently, and is one of the most highly-rated stars in the Premier League.
Rice has already made 152 ball recoveries this season for West Ham in the Premier League and has played a key role in their success. The midfielder has been repeatedly tracked and monitored by top sides in the Premier League. West Ham have placed a price tag of well over £100 million on the midfielder to scare off suitors.
