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#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.
