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The 2021/22 Premier League is only two gamesweeks old, but has already produced a huge amount of entertainment.
Some of the best players and the best managers in the world are currently gracing England's top-flight. While attacking football is understandably given preference, there are some teams that have impressed with their defensive solidity.
A good attack is built on a good defense, and managers are fully aware of this. With defenders taking part in attacking moves these days, their importance has increased.
The Premier League now houses some incredible defenders, and this is not limited to the top 6 clubs. On that note, we rank the 5 best defenses in the Premier League this season.
#5 Tottenham Hotspur
In Nuno Espirito Santo, Tottenham Hotspur have a manager who places defensive solidity ahead of attacking verve.
Tottenham Hotspur's managerial targets this summer were wildly varied, with Julian Nagelsmann, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso all under consideration. Nuno was eventually appointed as the manager, and the Portuguese has wasted little time in improving the structure of the team's defense.
Nuno's Wolverhampton Wanderers were renowned for their ability to shut down games, and his Tottenham Hotspur side showed glimpses of that ability in their match against Manchester City.
The likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have often been criticized for their performances in recent seasons, but the duo have started the season well. The addition of the dynamic Cristian Romero will surely improve their defense.
#4 Manchester United
Manchester United boast one of the best centre-backs and one of the best left-backs in the world, with both Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw excellent last season.
However, the right-hand side of the defense has always been viewed as a problematic one. Aaron Wan-Bissaka is arguably the best defensive full-back in the world, but falls short offensively. Victor Lindelof is renowned for his excellent passing, but the Swede is not a pacy centre-back and struggles aerially.
The addition of French centre-back Raphael Varane will solve some problems. Varane is fast and intelligent, and is one of the best centre-backs in the world. Having said that, unless and until Manchester United fix their defensive midfield situation, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men will continue to face problems defensively.
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#3 Liverpool
After injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip last season, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had to make do with young talents like Nathaniel Phillips and Rhys Williams at centre-back.
Given their situation last season, Liverpool did well to finish 3rd. The absence of van Dijk, in particular, was felt heavily. Before his injury, the Dutchman was regarded by many as the best centre-back in the world.
Klopp will be glad to see that the 30-year old has recovered well, with van Dijk putting in some assured performances so far in the league this season.
Liverpool have made just one major signing, bringing in French centre-back Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36 million. Liverpool's defense also consists of world-class full-backs Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
#2 Manchester City
Manchester City have spent heavily on improving their defense since the arrival of Pep Guardiola as manager, signing the likes of Ruben Dias, Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy, Joao Cancelo and Nathan Ake for big money.
Dias was seen by many as the best player in the league last season. The Portugal international was crucial as Manchester City won the league and reached the final of the Champions League, and formed a good partnership alongside John Stones.
Guardiola does not lack options in defense. Manchester City have not shied away from spending money when required, and the club are reportedly interested in signing Sporting CP left-back Nuno Mendes as they seek to find an upgrade for that position.
#1 Chelsea
Chelsea are arguably the best defensive team in Europe, and they once again displayed their quality last night against Liverpool.
After Reece James was sent off late in the first-half, Chelsea were extremely disciplined defensively, reducing Liverpool to speculative shots from range. The centre-back trio of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger did not set a foot wrong, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made some good saves as well.
Thomas Tuchel has made a frighteningly strong impact at Chelsea in a short period of time. If Manchester City fail to sign a striker, Chelsea could romp to the league title fairly comfortably.
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