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Right-back - Joao Cancelo (Manchester City)
Joao Cancelo's versatility has been utilized well by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola this season and the defender has impressed in every position he has played in.
Cancelo made his name as a right-back for Valencia and Inter Milan and joined Manchester City from Juventus in 2019. A slow first season in England has been followed by a sensational second season in which the Portugal international became vital for Manchester City.
The 26-year-old was used in both full-back positions by Guardiola. Strong technically and a good passer, his abilities have seen him tuck into midfield from the full-back positions and operate in the center of the park.
Centre-back- Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Arguably the best center-back in the world at the moment, Ruben Dias has proved to be a shrewd acquisition by Manchester City.
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City paid Benfica £61.2 million last summer for Dias. The Portuguese international has shrugged off the pressure of the price tag though and formed an impressive centre-back partnership with John Stones.
Dias' impact has been such that the 24-year-old is among the favorites to win the PFA Player of the Year award. An aggressive center-back, Dias made 32 Premier League appearances for Manchester City in the 2020-21 season.
Centre-back- Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Opinions about Harry Maguire have been mixed since he arrived at Manchester United from Leicester City for a record fee of £78.3 million.
A ball-playing center-back who is excellent in the air, the captain of Manchester United has been an ever-present for the club since he signed in 2019. Maguire's importance to the Manchester United defense was felt in the last few Premier League games when he was out with an injury, as the likes of Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe struggled without his presence.
The England international looks doubtful to feature for Manchester United against Villarreal in the UEFA Europa League final, which will be a cause of concern for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Maguire has already made more than 100 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, highlighting his incredible fitness levels.
Left-back- Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
One of the best left-backs in the world this season, Luke Shaw's resurgence has been wonderful to see.
A highly-rated talent when he joined Manchester United from Southampton in 2014, serious injuries resulted in limited appearances for the club during his first few years at the club. The arrival of Solskjaer as manager has seen the England international gain confidence, and he enjoyed arguably his best season in professional football during the 2020-21 campaign.
Shaw's creativity and crossing ability have been crucial for Manchester United. The 25-year-old made 32 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing five assists.
Honorable Mentions: Vladimir Coufal (West Ham United), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Aaron Cresswell (West Ham United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), John Stones (Manchester City), Andy Robertson (Liverpool), Wesley Fofana (Leicester City)
Also Read: Top 10 players in Europe this season according to ratings (2020/21)
