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Defending in football is a relentless and thankless job. Defenders are hardly as much appreciated for their job as the strikers or mid-fielders are. One error in the defensive duty is noticed by everyone and is showed over and over again but a good tackle goes unnoticed.
The English Premier League is blessed with many quality strikers and midfielders. With such quality in the attacking front, defenders have a tough task to protect their territory. But they have been doing it successfully day in and day out.
Some of the best defenders of world football are playing in the Premier League at the moment. So, let's look at the five of the best defenders in the league currently.
#5 Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is one of the hottest players in the Premier League at the moment. The fact that he has been linked to a transfer to Manchester United for a potential world record fee for a defender, proves his worth.
Since Maguire signed for Leicester City in 2017, he has been excellent. He played in every minute of last season and was awarded 'Player of the Season' at his club.
Maguire basically has a no-nonsense style of defending. With a height of 6ft 4in and a great physique, he wins the aerial balls in most cases. His interception, tackling and marking skills are also very good.
Maguire is a free-flowing footballer and looks secure with the ball at his feet. This attribute helps him in creating chances for his team. Last season he had four assists to his name.
Moreover, Maguire is a threat from the set pieces also. He's often the target from the corner kicks and free-kicks. His solidity in defence and aerial attributes makes him one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
#4 Benjamin Mendy
Benjamin Mendy is a footballer from France who plays for Manchester City in the Premier League. He was signed in 2017 but due to his knee injury, was able to play in just seven matches last season.
Due to the elite level of skill sets Mendy possesses, he has been ranked as one of the best defenders in the league. He has been an important part of the tactical evolution in Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Mendy can charge up and down the left flank with excellent pace. He delivers dangerous crosses inside the box, causing havoc within the opposition defence. His relentless crossing ability makes him one of the best, attacking defenders in the Premier League.
This season, Mendy has been on fire. The left-back has five assists to his name in just six matches that he has played so far. He has been City's best player in this early stage of the 2018/19 campaign.
#3 Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso signed with Chelsea in the year 2016 at a fee of around £24 million. Since then he has made the left-back or wing-back position his own. He has now become a vital member of the Chelsea Football Club.
Alonso is also regarded as one of the best attacking defenders in the Premier League today. He is often considered as the forward who happens to be a defender. He has the ability of scoring goals from anywhere, which makes him a special defender.
Alonso has a height of 6ft 2in, which makes him adept in the air. He has also got a very intelligent reading of the game and is always willing to learn more. His physicality helps him in his defensive role.
Marcos Alonso is also a very good free-kick taker. He has become one of the key men as far as the set-pieces are concerned for Chelsea. He has two assists and a goal to his name already in this season.
#2 Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker signed a five-year contract with Manchester City in 2017 with a transfer fee of around £ 50 million. Since his joining the club, Kyle has become a different player under Pep Guardiola. He was one of the key players in winning the title last season.
Walker has become a valuable player for both his club and country at the moment. His passing game has become very strong under Guardiola. His ability to pass long and short provides fluency to City's game.
Kyle Walker is a very strongly built footballer. Although not that tall, his imposing physique helps him in an aerial duel and holding on the ball. Most importantly as a defender, he knows when he needs to go forward and when he needs to stand his ground.
Along with defending, he has been crucial in delivering crosses inside the box. Last season he had six assists to his name due to his crossing abilities.
#1 Cezar Azpilicueta
Cezar Azpilicueta is a full-back, who signed with Chelsea in 2012. Since then he has made 205 appearances for the club and is now the best defender in the Premier League at the moment.
Cezar is a very strong player and his ability to hold on the ball is one of the best in the league. Despite being just 5ft 9in tall, he wins the aerial duels more often than not.
Cezar's consistency and leadership are invaluable to Chelsea. According to his previous boss Antonio Conte, he is one of the best in the world and is very good with and without the ball.
Azpilicueta is a very stable defender. He doesn't always hold the defensive line and prefers to step out often. But his tackling ability is of top notch. He is very good at standing and sliding tackles without the risk of causing a penalty.
Cezar is very good at passing. He had an outstanding 87% of pass accuracy last season. His main strength in the attacking front is his crossing. Last season he had 6 assists to his name.
