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#3 Wesley Fofana (Leicester City)
Leicester City signed Wesley Fofana from St. Etienne in October 2020 and being a relatively lesser-known entity at the time, it became one of those signings that slipped under the radar. However, it didn't stay that way for long as Fofana was quick to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with at the back for Brendan Rodgers' men.
Fofana is already adept at reading the game and snuffing out the danger in an effective manner. His performances have been quite incredible for a 20-year-old who is playing his debut season in the Premier League.
Fofana is a top one-on-one defender and has won 71% of his attempted tackles. He has helped Leicester City keep six cleansheets in 26 appearances this season and has 169 recoveries so far this season.
Fofana is an aggressive defender and is certain to go from strength to strength and become one of the best centre-backs in the league in the coming years.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has not had the best season and has often received criticism for his defensive abilities. But on his day, Trent Alexander-Arnold is a handful to deal with.
The Liverpool right-back contributes more in attack than in defense with his David Beckham-esque crosses from the right flank regularly catching opposition defenders off-guard. Trent hasn't been afforded the freedom to attack with abandon this season in the absence of Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip and this has greatly curtailed his effectiveness.
The Englishman has still racked up six assists and scored two goals in 33 appearances in the Premier League this season. He has whipped in 264 crosses this season with 20% accuracy. Though he is not a great tackler or dominant in aerial duels, Arnold has made 234 recoveries over the course of the season.
If he can iron out a few shortcomings in the defensive aspects of his game, Trent could go on to become the greatest right-back of his generation.
#1 Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Manchester United)
Arguably the best one-on-one defender in the Premier League, Manchester United's very own 'spiderman' Aaron Wan-Bissaka is adding to his attacking game and has been one of the most improved players this season.
While he has always been a nightmare to go up against in one-on-ones, Wan-Bissaka has been criticized for his inability to contribute in the final third. However, he has been far more enterprising in attack for Manchester United this term and has scored two goals and provided four assists in 33 appearances.
Wan-Bissaka has helped his side keep 13 cleansheets as well. The 23-year-old has won 88 tackles at a success rate of 61%. He has also made 62 interceptions and made 177 recoveries.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka still has room for improvement. Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United players are definitely getting better on an individual basis and being just 23-years-old, Wan-Bissaka has enough time to make a mark at the Theater of Dreams.
