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Centre-backs
Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
Matches: 31, Clean-sheets: 13, Goals Conceded: 24, Goals: 4, Recoveries: 175, Interceptions: 45, Clearances: 115, Tackles: 53
Manchester City began the season not knowing how well they'll defend as the full-backs were signed in the summer transfer window and the centre-backs had flattered to deceive last season. This campaign though, Nicolas Otamendi has been magnificent, and he's rarely put a foot wrong despite not having a permanent centre-back partner beside him.
The Argentine has been the rock in the City defence and he's improved his ability to pick out passes from the back this season, a feature that Guardiola has a fascination for.
His physical presence means that he's also a great header of the ball, and he's also chipped in with 4 goals this season.
Though Otamendi is still prone to the occasional rash moment, he has established himself as one of the best defenders this season and deserves his spot in the best XI.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Matches: 31, Clean Sheets: 13, Goals Conceeded: 27, Recoveries: 212, Interceptions: 52, Clearances: 147, Tackles: 57
Toby Alderweireld was widely seen as Tottenham’s best centre-back at the start of this season, but many Tottenham fans will now feel they can cope without the former Atletico Madrid man should he seek a transfer away from north-London this season.
That’s partly because of the potential of Davison Sanchez, but it has got more to do with Vertonghen's colossal performances this season.
The Belgian reads the game expertly and despite not being the most agile, he is difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His physical presence ensures that he can't be bullied easily by the stronger forward in the league.
Being one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the Premier League, he can pick out passes to the midfielder runners from deep. Vertonghen also possesses the ability to fill in at left-back when needed, a position that he often plays for his national team Belgium.
Unlucky to miss out: James Tarkowski (Burnley), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ben Mee (Burnley)
