Premier League 2018-19: Top 3 Center backs in contention for the PFA Team of the Year 

The primary role of a defender is to stop the opposition from getting the ball into the back of the net. This function is carried out vividly by the centrebacks who guard the area in front of the goal and mostly face the task of marking the striker of the opposing team.

The duels, blocks, aerial duels, tackles, clearances and interceptions are all related to the defensive part of the game. Center-backs not only need to be astute defensively, but they also need to be good on the ball as they build plays from the back. Even though they rarely get the appreciation they deserve, they keep playing their part in orchetrating the best kind of defense.

The 2018/19 season of the Premier League football extravaganza has passed its halfway mark and we have some great defensive performances. In this article, we take a look at the top 3 center backs who are in contention for the PFA Team of the Year this season.

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#3 Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United - Premier League

Toby Alderweireld didn't have a great time last season in the Premier League as he fell out with Mauricio Pochettino and also lost his place to Davidson Sanchez, but this season, the Belgian looks like he is back to his best.

Toby has been scintillating at the back for the Lillywhites and the Belgian has looked very assured. Toby has been performing consistently for Spurs for last few years now and along with Jan Vertoneghan, he forms a formidable partnership at the back.

Toby recently agreed to a 1-year extension with Spurs which has triggered a release clause of 25 million Euros in his contract. At 25 million Euros, somebody of his quality and experience in the Premier League is an absolute bargain and with Manchester United interested, Spurs might lose their long-serving center back. He has played 27 of the 29 matches in the Premier League this season.

In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Toby has won 63 percent of his tackles and 56 percent of his duels.

#2 Aymeric Laporte

Everton FC v Manchester City - Premier League

Aymeric Laporte arrived at the Etihad in January 2018 with a lot of expectations and a hefty fee. This season, the Frenchman has justified all of the above. He has been simply magnificent for Manchester City at the back.

The French center back is a kind of player who is made to play in the Pep Guardiola philosophy. He never shies away from the ball and is very comfortable on it. His technical ability on the ball matches that of a midfielder. The versatile center back has also been deployed on the left back spot by Guardiola a couple of times this season.

Laporte and John Stones have formed a brilliant partnership at the back for City this season. With City chasing their second consecutive Premier League title, the Frenchman has to be at the top of his game every single match day.

In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Laporte has won 43, percent of his tackles and 58 percent of his duels.

#1 Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool FC v Watford FC - Premier League

Virgil Van Dijk currently can be regarded as one of the best center backs in the world at the moment. The 26-year-old is the definition of modern center back. He has been a rock at the back for the Reds this season and has been a part of the defense that has kept the most clean sheets.

Van Dijk has clearly justified his price tag this season and he has all the traits to be a future Liverpool legend. He has the leadership skills and might be the next captain of Liverpool. The lanky defender is great on the ball, brilliant in the air and has that calmness, and swagger about the way he plays the game.

Just the sight of the guy is enough to make any Premier League attacker be intimidated. With Liverpool chasing the Premier League title, Jurgen Klopp would hope his superstar keeps up his good form.

In terms of stats in the Premier League this season, Van Dijk has won 74 percent of his tackles and 77 percent of his duels.