'%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,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
3. Chris Smalling - AS Roma
When Chris Smalling was sold to AS Roma, Manchester United thought they were getting rid of an average defender and replacing him with a much better one in the form of Harry Maguire. However, almost six months down the line, Smalling has outperformed every single defender at his former club and statistically, he has been the Serie A's best defender so far this season.
Roma is currently in the fourth position in the Serie A, and a lot of that is thanks to their defence which has conceded only 19 goals so far. Smalling deserves a lot of credit for that - in 13 Serie A appearances, the centre back is averaging over one tackle, two interceptions, and 4.2 clearances per game. On top of that, he wins over 4.5 aerial duels per game while also completing 90% of his passes.
At the age of 30, Smalling has reinvented himself in a league which has traditionally placed a lot of importance on defence. He is now an integral part of a Roma team contending for a top 3 finish, and the club will be more than happy to have him beyond this season.
