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The Premier League is home to arguably the best defenders in the world. Thanks to the plethora of brilliant coaches the league has at its disposal, we see a real variety in defensive positions.
We have traditional centre-backs, creative full-backs, and high-flying wing-backs who blur the line between attack and defense.
Today we will focus on the Premier League defenders who have given the attackers a run for their money this season. The five on our list today are not only solid at the back, but are not afraid of surging ahead when an opportunity arises.
Here are the top five defenders with the highest Premier League goal involvements this season:
#5 Andrew Robertson: 4 goal contributions
Since taking charge, Jurgen Klopp has turned Liverpool into a high-octane pressing machine. The Premier League outfit from Merseyside hate to let the opposition settle on the ball and are always on the lookout for opportunities.
Liverpool’s marauding full-backs play a key role in their breakneck, aggressive play in the Premier League.
Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson has been an integral member of Jurgen Klopp’s side since signing from Hull City in 2017. The Scotland international not only combines effortlessly with the Liverpool midfielders, but also shares a special relationship with left-winger Sadio Mane. The combination of the two has made him one of the first names on the team-sheet for Liverpool.
Although Robertson is still searching for his first Premier League goal this season, he has already registered four assists. His most notable performance so far this season came against Everton on matchday 14, where his brace of assists helped Liverpool to a 4-1 win.
#4 Sergio Reguilon: 4 goal contributions
Former Real Madrid left-back Sergio Reguilon has settled in quite well in north London. He has become Tottenham Hotspur’s go-to man this season and is always involved in their build-up play.
In the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, the Spaniard has scored once and provided three assists in 13 appearances.
Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to get going in the Premier League this season. The Lilywhites have only won eight of their 14 matches, scoring 16 goals and conceding 17.
Having contributed four of their 16 goals, Reguilon has proven himself to be an asset going forward.
Antonio Conte has already become fond of the young Spain international and considers him to be an invaluable member of Tottenham in the Premier League.
Reguilon has been playing as a left wing-back under the Italian mastermind lately and should fetch more goal involvements over the remainder of the season.
#3 Ben Chilwell - 4 goal contributions
Premier League aspirants Chelsea have lost a bit of ground in recent weeks. They were beaten by West Ham United on Matchday 15 and dropped points against Manchester United and Everton as well.
Unsurprisingly, their horrid run has coincided with Ben Chilwell’s knee injury, which has kept him out of action since Premier League gameweek 13.
Deployed as a left-wing back, Chilwell is tasked with taking care of the left channel, both offensively and defensively. His pace, decision-making and vision have come in handy for Chelsea this season, helping them to five wins and a draw in his six participations.
During his six-game run, Chilwell bagged three goals and an assist. The Englishman probably would have had a few more by now had he not picked up a knee injury.
Chilwell is expected to return to Premier League action by the second week of January.
#2 Trent Alexander-Arnold - 9 goal contributions
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been in exceptional form in the Premier League this season. The flying full-back has been instrumental to Liverpool’s impressive Premier League run, pitching in with two goals and seven assists in 15 appearances.
The Englishman is the second-leading assist-provider in the Premier League right now, trailing teammate Mohamed Salah by two assists.
Rising through Liverpool’s academy, Alexander-Arnold has been a staple in Jurgen Klopp’s side since his promotion in 2016. He has consistently improved upon his game, both defensively and offensively, making it a point to be the best version of himself.
The attacking full-back seems to have taken his game up a notch this season and is on course for his best-ever Premier League campaign.
The Liverpool star had 17 goal involvements in the 2019-20 Premier League season, which helped the Reds win their first league title in 30 years.
#1 Reece James - 9 goal contributions
Chelsea right-wing back Reece James has been the most prolific defender in the Premier League this season. The Englishman has won over his critics with four goals and five assists in the Premier League, emerging as the division’s highest-scoring defender so far.
The Chelsea graduate has proven himself to be the best of both worlds. He is quick, he is a good passer of the ball, and happens to have a thunderous right-foot as well.
James is a relentless presser as well and never hesitates to track back. Overall, the youngster has been one of Chelsea’s best performers this season and could play a key role in their Premier League title challenge.
