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Centre-backs
James Tarkowski (Burnley)
Matches: 27, Clean-sheets: 10, Goals Conceded: 20, Recoveries: 100, Interceptions: 43, Clearances: 195, Tackles: 42
When Burnley sold their best defender Michael Keane to Everton at the start of the season along with forward Andre Gray, Burnley fans were fearing the worst. However, Burnley has defied all expectations with a sensational campaign on the back of a rock-solid defense led by the English pairing of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee.
Tarkowski has caught the eye of some of the Premier League's big boys with his heroic performances this season. He's someone who's not afraid to put his body in front of shots as he has made numerous last-ditch tackles and blocks to deny goal scoring opportunities. This has enabled Burnley to punch above their weight this season.
Tarkowski was rewarded with his first cap for England and will be a contender to board the plane to Russia for the World Cup. He surprisingly missed out on a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, with Otamendi favored above him.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham Hotspur)
Matches: 33, Clean Sheets: 13, Goals Conceded: 31, Recoveries: 230, Interceptions: 58, Clearances: 148, Tackles: 63
Toby Alderweireld was widely seen as Tottenham’s best centre-back at the start of this season, but many Tottenham fans will now feel they can cope without the former Atletico Madrid man should he seek a transfer away from north-London this season.
That’s partly because of the potential of Davison Sanchez, but it has got more to do with Vertonghen's colossal performances this season.
The Belgian reads the game expertly and despite not being the swiftest defender, he is difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. His physical presence ensures that he can't be bullied easily by the stronger forward in the league.
Being one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the Premier League, he can pick out passes to the midfielder runners from deep. Vertonghen also possesses the ability to fill in at left-back when needed, a position that he often plays for his national team Belgium.
His fantastic performances have also seen him named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Unlucky to miss out: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Ben Mee (Burnley), Harry Maguire (Leicester City), Davinson Sanchez (Tottenham Hotspur)
