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#2 Defenders
NORTH
Right Back
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Kyle Walker has been the league's best right back for a few years now and this season has continued in that form for his new club. Joining City from Tottenham for £50 million in the summer, Walker has slotted in seamlessly in the City defense helping his side concede the fewest goals in the league while also contributing at the other end of the pitch, helping his side score the most in the league with his 5 assists.
Center Backs
Harry Maguire (Leicester City)
Although the first pick from outside the top clubs, it may not be long before Harry Maguire starts playing for one. Joining Leicester from relegated Hull City this past summer Maguire has shown why his former club asked for what was seen at the time as an overpriced £17 million.
Maguire was one of the few bright spots in Hull's side last season and has continued to impress in his second season in the league. Maguire has been a wall in Leicester’s defense, helping the club settle in 8th place (presently) after a relegation scare last season. The Englishman is also a big threat on set pieces with an impressive 2 goals and 4 assists so far this season.
With England regulars like Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling under-performing this season, Maguire could be on the plane to Russia in the summer.
Jamaal Lascelles (Newcastle United)
Another 24-year-old English center-back, Jamaal Lascelles has been Newcastle's best player this season as they try and survive the drop. The club captain, Lascelles embodies the fire and determination that Newcastle need to stay up.
A fan's favorite, he isn't quite yet rated by other fans but if Newcastle can stay up and Lascelles can continue to guide them in the league then it will only be a matter of time before many more start to see his quality.
Just like Maguire, Lascelles is a set piece threat scoring 3 goals so far this season and together they form a strong, tall, underrated partnership.
Left Back
Andy Robertson (Liverpool)
This time last year Andy Robertson was fighting for Premier League survival with Hull. Now he is thriving in Europe with Liverpool. After only starting 2 of the first 14 league games, Robertson has started 14 of the last 15.
An injury to Alberto Moreno saw him given a chance and he hasn't looked back. Now Robertson is Liverpool’s first choice left back. He not only is solid at the back unlike most fullbacks, he also does all the attacking work one is expected to do. He is the complete package and leaves everything on the pitch.
SOUTH
Right Back
Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)
When Walker left Tottenham this summer Serge Aurier was brought in to replace him, but to everyone's surprise, it hasn't been the Ivorian who has started the majority of games, but rather Kieran Trippier.
Trippier is currently in his third season at Spurs and having only started 11 league games in his first 2 campaigns the Englishman has started 16 this time around. Now a mainstay in the Spurs' defense, Trippier has proven himself and has adequately replaced Walker.
Center Backs
César Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
Originally a fullback, César Azpilicueta has found his home in the centre of defence and is now one of the league's best. Exceptional both on and off the ball Azpilicueta has developed into an all-around defender, able to make crucial interceptions and last-ditch tackles, while also being able to win the back and carry it into midfield. He also has 6 assists so far this season, an amazing amount for a centre back.
As Gary Cahill features less for Chelsea these days Azpilicueta is given the armband for Chelsea and the same thing goes for this team.
Nacho Monreal (Arsenal)
Nacho Monreal has had a bit of a career resurgence of late. Arsene Wenger now favors playing a back three and Monreal has been deployed as the left-hand center back and has done an excellent job there.
Arsenal's best defender this season is Monreal, and just like Azpilicueta early he is originally a fullback, and just like Azpilicueta is good both on and off the ball. But unlike Azpilicueta’s 6 assists and 0 goals, Monreal has 4 league goals and 2 assists.
Left Back
Ryan Bertrand (Southampton)
Ryan Bertrand has quietly gone about his business since moving to Southampton 4 years ago. Since then he has been one of the league's most consistent players. His performances may have dipped this season a bit, but in this disappointing season for the Saints, Bertrand has been one of their best players.
