'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAwf/2gAIAQEAAAAAkBf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAECEAAAAF//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD/9oACAEDEAAAAF//xAAdEAACAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMRADEiMpKx/9oACAEBAAE/AFnZAYF5CSMMXYA1R1r5hRr7J5z/xAAXEQADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIx/9oACAECAQE/AIen/8QAGxEAAgEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIABBESUsH/2gAIAQMBAT8AqEC4W1HZ/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
#8 Sol Bamba
Some may not agree with his inclusion given that Cardiff City are currently 18th in the Premier League and fighting to stay in the English top-flight football for next season.
However, Sol Bamba has missed just two PL games for Cardiff this season and has been exceptional at the back. He averages 2.6 tackles, 6.3 clearances, 2.9 interceptions per game this season, which are extremely good stats for a defender. Strong as an Ox, Bamba is a strong tackler and no-nonsense defender.
#7 Fabian Schar
Having played just one of the first 10 Premier League games this season, Fabian Schar has improved Newcastle's season ever since he broke into the first team on a consistent basis.
With 2.4 tackles, 2.6 interceptions and 5.9 clearances per game this season, Schar has provided the much-needed stability to Newcastle's defence. He is now one of Rafa Benítez's first names on the team sheet and arguably Newcastle’s best player this season.
