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The beautiful game of football has seen some legendary players over the years. While the forwards were the ones to grab the spotlight, the defenders were wrongly considered being the supporting cast. Some extraordinary defenders like Maldini, Stam or Nesta have proved the same to be a myth.
Premier league fans also had the good fortune of seeing some sensational centre-back pairings over the decades. From the unbreakable wall of Vidic and Ferdinand to the telepathic duo of Terry and Carvalho, English football has witnessed some of the finest defenders.
The amount of defensive talent in England is improving every season. Here, we take a look at the five best defenders of the 2017-18 Premier League season so far.
#5 Phil Jones
The name may raise some exasperation in your mind which is legitimate by all means. The Spurs performance was a disaster for the Englishman as he was at fault for both the goals. If the Wembley performance is not accounted for a moment, Phil Jones has been in sublime form this season.
Even though the English defender had struggled with injuries in the past couple of years, Jose Mourinho decided to hand him a regular place in his league XI. This came as a boost to the 26-year-old and he became a promising prospect for United.
Of course, credits to his manager for the brilliant man management of the player. Jose has rested the defender regularly to keep him fit. Jones's pace and the ability to throw himself at challenges has impressed the fans.
The English International has been crucial for his country as well this campaign. If he manages to avoid injuries, he could be among one of the best in Europe without any exaggerations.
#4 Nicolas Otamendi
The Argentine was a subject of interest from both the Manchester clubs and decided to join City in 2016. His first year in England was something he would like to erase from his resume. The Argentine struggled with the pace of the Premier League and was often left stumbling when the opposition initiated the attack.
However, in his second season under Guardiola, the centre-back appears to be an altogether different player. He has lead the team's back-line and has been vital to his manager.
The 29-year-old has also chipped in with some important goals to break the deadlocks, famously netting the winner at Old Trafford. In Otamendi, Pep gets a player who can push the team higher up the pitch with his driving runs.
The Argentine looks to be enjoying life at the Etihad under the Spanish boss. Otamendi's form would be pivotal in Champions League knockout stages for City.
#3 Jan Vertonghen
Vertonghen was one of the unknown commodities bought by Andre Villas-Boas at the White Hart Lane. The Belgian joined the London club from Ajax and impressed the fans with his performances.
Vertonghen, being highly under-rated does not make many headlines but is of the utmost importance to Pochettino. His consistency and leadership have been vital to the Spurs team. The 30-year-old is an exceptional reader of the game.
Pochettino paired Vertonghen with Toby Alderweireld and the duo appeared to be unbreakable. However, with the latter injured, the former has been played in a back-three being equally influential. The Spurs defender has appeared in all the 26 Premier League games played so far this season.
The centre-back's consistency has drawn attention of some clubs over the years. However, Daniel Levy has been reluctant to part ways with the defender.
#2 Eric Bailly
Jose Mourinho arrived in the red half of Manchester in 2016 and his first signing was Eric Bailly from Villarreal. Bailly was United's most expensive defender then, at £30 million. Doubts were there regarding his adaptability in such a competitive league.
The Ivorian hit the ground running in the Premier League and soon became the first name on the team-sheet for Jose. The 23-year-old was tipped to be the successor to Nemanja Vidic. At the start of 2018 season, Bailly was in an absolute beast mode for United.
The United centre-back is an exceptional tackler and his strength adds to the youngster's merits. However, he has occasionally been sidelined with injuries. The Ivorian is yet to feature in 2018 but is expected to be fit by the end of February. The nervousness of United's defence is evident in Bailly's absence.
#1 César Azpilicueta
Some might argue the Spaniard's position on the list, given Chelsea's shambolic defensive displays against Bournemouth and Watford. I beg to differ. It would be harsh to single out the players as Chelsea's problems are much serious than what one sees.
Azpilicueta was one of the finds of the season as a centre-back in 2016. The 28-year-old had regularly featured as a full-back for the Blues but is enjoying a renaissance under the Italian manager. Conte decided to play the Spanish full-back at the right of a back-three.
Ever since, the defender has been in sensational form and appears to be irreplaceable at his new position. Maybe, it is the only positive to take from Chelsea's miserable season.
Despite being a centre-back, he has provided some sensational crosses for the Chelsea striker, Alvaro Morata. With his looping balls over the top of the opposition's defence he has grabbed six assists this season.
For his versatility and vision, Cesar Azpilicueta earns the numero uno spot on the list.
