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Defending is becoming more and more important in the game. The influx of attacking footballers has made it increasingly difficult to secure a clean sheet, let alone several of them. This has given rise to several ball-intercepting midfielders and defenders over the last two decades.
Claude Makelele had a position named after him due to his incredible ability to win the ball back from attackers. N'Golo Kante has also made a name for himself due to this very ability, as evidenced by his trophy-laden career. Winning the ball is an art in itself but there are only some players that consistently excel in doing so.
On that note, let us take a look at 5 players with the most interceptions in Europe's Top 5 leagues this season.
Note: These statistics have been taken from Fbref and only Europe's Top 5 Leagues have been considered.
#5 Aurelien Tchouameni (67)
Aurelien Tchouameni has quickly become one of the most gifted deep-lying playmakers in Ligue 1. The central defensive midfielder rose through the ranks at Bordeaux before joining AS Monaco in 2020. Tchouameni has developed well under Niko Kovac over the last 18 months and is sure to play an integral role under new boss Philippe Clement.
Primarily, Tchouameni protects the backline and acts as a link between the defense and the frontline. His main quality lies in winning the ball back or disrupting the opponent's play by stepping in and intercepting the ball.
Tchouameni's 6'1 stature also gives him a chance to compete aerially. Thanks to these characteristics, he has made a total of 67 interceptions this season in 20 league appearances.
The 21-year-old midfielder won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year accolade last season. His ball-winning capabilities could see him pick up similar awards in the coming years.
#4 Yunis Abdelhamid (68)
Yunis Abdelhamid has been a rock at the back for Reims this season. The Moroccan international joined the club in 2017 and was a key part of their rise to top-flight football in his debut season. Since then, Abdelhamid has been one of the team's standout defenders and was one of the reasons behind them avoiding relegation last season.
Abdelhamid has played an integral role in helping Reims maintain the joint-6th best defense in Ligue 1 this season despite being 14th in the league table. The African ace often sniffs out danger by intercepting the ball.
At 34, Abdelhamid may not be the fastest player on the pitch but his intelligence allows him to read the game well. This has helped make him 68 interceptions in 20 appearances this season.
The Reims captain may be aging but continues to prove this season that he still has a lot left in the tank.
#3 Danilo Soares (69)
Danilo Soares has been one of the full-backs to watch in the Bundesliga this season. Part of the newly-promoted VfL Bochum side, the left-back has been one of the more energetic members of the squad. Soares' bustling energy has ensured that he is a presence in both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.
Bochum have conceded only 27 goals this season, less than 3 out of the Top 4 Bundesliga teams this season. Much of this has been possible due to Soares, who allows little to no crosses from his side of the pitch.
The Brazilian ace also excels in winning the ball high up the pitch, thereby helping in starting counter-attacks. In doing so, Soares has made 69 interceptions in just 18 appearances this season.
The 30-year-old full-back may not have actively contributed to goals yet this term. However, his ball-intercepting abilities have saved Bochum valuable points on multiple occasions.
#2 Milan Badelj (70)
Milan Badelj has been one of the more underrated midfielders in Serie A this season. The Croat joined Genoa in 2020 and has since become a regular member of the starting line-up. Although the Italian club are 19th in the league table, they still have a good chance of staying up, with Badelj playing a huge role in this.
The 32-year-old is a game-changer in the center of the pitch as his tackling ability, coupled with strength on the ball, has made him a great ball-winner. Often acting as a sweeper between the two centre-backs, Badelj has made goal-saving interceptions on a number of occasions this term. This has led to him completing 70 interceptions in 19 appearances this season.
The Croatian ace might be the oldest player in the Genoa squad but his experience in the game makes him their most efficient defensive weapon.
#1 Gleison Bremer (86)
Gleison Bremer has been outstanding in Serie A this season. The 24-year-old, who joined the club back in 2019, has helped Torino exceed expectations this season. After battling relegation in the last two seasons, the side are currently ninth in the league table.
The defense and Bremer, in particular, deserve credit for that. The Turin-based club have conceded the third-least goals this season, only behind title-challengers Napoli and Inter Milan.
The Brazilian centre-back has been a massive aerial presence at the back and wins many duels. His remarkable pace and understanding of the game also help him intercept crosses and through balls.
Bremer has arguably been the best defender in Serie A this season and it is no surprise that a host of European clubs have been linked with him recently.
