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The Premier League continues to entertain us week in and week out with some incredible fixtures this season. A decent number of fixtures have been played out between the 'so-called' top six clubs, some of whom have been topsy-turvy and some have yielded astonishing scorelines. But overall, the action has been relentless, leaving aside a couple of clubs who are finding it difficult to cope up.
Goalscorers in the Premier League are once again the center of attraction and the likes of Mohamed Salah and Jamie Vardy, among others, are enjoying an exceptional start. But one matchday after the other, there have been some standout stars who have been performing their defensive duties with great spirit.
Defenders in the Premier League go against some world-class forwards
Some of these defenders have been the saving grace for their gaffers in an otherwise disappointing backline. Meanwhile, some have improved the collective performance of the team. In this age of VAR in the Premier League, it is very important for defenders to use their body and mind equally well.
Putting the body on the line has been an important asset for defenders. Nine games into the Premier League, and some players have shown others how it's done. As risky as it may seem, when it saves a goal for your team, it gives one tremendous joy. On that note, here are five defenders in the Premier League who have successfully blocked the most shots so far this season:
Note: Three defenders tied on 12 blocks have been ranked based on the least goals conceded by their clubs so far in the Premier League.
#5 Tyrone Mings
Aston Villa brought on board some very interesting attacking prospects this summer. The likes of Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey got everyone excited to see what Dean Smith's new-look side have to showcase in the Premier League. But it's fair to say that Tyrone Mings continues to be Villa's ever-present leader and hasn't been shadowed by the newcomers.
Aston Villa are currently placed 13th in the Premier League and have lost their last three games. They initially looked stable in defense, but lately the inconsistency in their backline has been visible.
Their captain Mings, however, has been a solid figure at the back and has been effective in succesfully blocking 12 shots so far. Villa have conceded 15 goals despite keeping three clean sheets in the Premier League.
Off the pitch, the Englishman has garnered praise for his support for the gesture of 'taking the knee' before games. He has been very vocal and articulate in his views against racism.
The 28-year old has started eight out of nine games for Smith's side this season. The defender has been good in the air, but his performance against Arsenal in Villa's last game was a sloppy one. Villa will hope their captain gets to his best in their next game against West Ham United in the Premier League.
#4 Michael Keane
High-flying Everton are loving life under new manager Rafael Benitez in the Premier League. When the Spaniard took over, fans of the club weren't exactly happy given his past association with Merseyside rivals Liverpool. But the manager has done a commendable job and aside from their recent defeat, Everton have been exciting to watch.
One man who has not missed a single minute of Premier League action under the new boss is Michael Keane. He has started all nine games, while his other half in centre-back partnerships have all kept coming and going. Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and even Ben Godfrey have been paired with Keane, but haven't cemented their spot.
The Toffees defender has blocked 12 shots so far and has admitted that his game is improving under Benitez. Keane has helped his team play out from the back and has been disciplined for most games. He has received some stick from the fans for some sloppy performances and lapses of judgement.
He also scored the equalizer against an aerially strong and intense Burnley side, a game that Everton won 3-1. Keane also delivered a curling cross from which Richarlison scored a header at Goodison Park against Watford. Everton would like to bounce back strongly from that 5-2 Premier League defeat.
#3 Liam Cooper
Last season Leeds United were a breath of fresh air in the Premier League. Their high-octane way of playing the game, with the same intensity throughout the 90 minutes and incessant running was very entertaining. However, this season has started on a disappointing note for them as they have only won one of their nine games.
Marcelo Bielsa has a plethora of options in defense but the one man the boss continues to stick with is Liam Cooper. The Scotland international is captain of the team. Cooper is tasked with arranging a backline which has a tendency to move out of position to join in the attack. Leeds' rearguard has already leaked 16 goals this season, while they have scored half of that number.
Cooper is among the defenders who have blocked the most shots in the Premier League with a total of 13. The Scottish defender has contested 105 duels already given how easy it has been to challenge the Leeds backline. To his credit, he has won 66 of them and also has one assist.
#2 Lewis Dunk
Lately, Graham Potter has been receiving great praise for what he has been doing behind the scenes at Brighton and Hove Albion. He managed to make them a decent Premier League side who are comfortable playing with the ball. This season, especially, Brighton seem to be doing everything right and luck has been with them so far.
They have started very well and sit in sixth position in the Premier League table with 15 points. The problems with scoring goals haven't been majorly solved as they have scored nine goals in nine games. Fortunately they have also conceded only nine and Lewis Dunk deserves credit for that.
The 29-year old has been significant for Potter's side. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and has helped his team build from the back, especially with counter-attacks. Dunk is a no-nonsense centre-half and clears the ball at the first opportunity. He has also made 13 blocks in the Premier League, the second-most.
With Shane Duffy deservedly restored to Brighton's defense, Dunk, who is usually employed in the central position in the back three, has had a change of roles. The Irishman is now being employed in the central position whereas Dunk occupies the left centre-back position. The change has so far worked for Brighton.
#1 James Tarkowski
Sean Dyche has been credited with keeping Burnley in the top-flight season after season, but this campaign he might have to try harder than ever. Nine games into the Premier League, his team are sitting 18th as they still await their first win with only four points on the board.
James Tarkowski, in the past few transfer windows, has had the opportunity to leave for another club but has stuck with the club through thick and thin. He has been lauded for his stern character and his ability to go shoulder to shoulder with defenders. In many ways he summarizes the ideal Sean Dyche defender. Strong in the air, ready to put his body on the line and a decent bullyishness.
The 28-year-old has blocked the most shots in the Premier League this season, which is 14. Sounds fair as well, given Burnley are not a team that is used to dominating the ball. They have conceded 15 goals in the Premier League and that number could have been higher if not for Tarkowski's rugged display.
He's not the most comfortable while moving with the ball but compensates with his physicality on the ground. It would be interesting to see if the English defender decides to leave Burnley should they get relegated this season from the Premier League.
