Although strikers, wingers and attacking midfielders tend to dominate the headlines week to week, oftentimes it’s those at the back who determine whether a football club experiences success or not. That is particularly accurate in the Premier League, which boasts arguably the deepest and most talented attacking players in the world.
It is for that reason that having a strong group of defenders is of such grave importance – and there are a handful of defensive players who have stood out from the rest through 17 weeks of the 2022/23 season.
With that in mind, read on as we dissect which defenders were in the best form before the league paused for the World Cup in Qatar in November.
Kieran Trippier
Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has been a revelation at the back for the Magpies since joining the northeast club in January of this year. The 32-year-old’s distribution, IQ and willingness to take risks in promoting the ball forward has been enormous in helping Newcastle sit third in the table. With a goal and three assists to his name this season, Trippier is proving himself to be an attacking threat as well as a stout defender.
His form earned him a World Cup call-up in the Middle East, in which he has been solid at the back for the Three Lions.
William Saliba
Although Arsenal didn’t have any glaring holes in their defensive line last season, William Saliba has improved the Gunners at the back even further since returning from Marseille. With 33 successful aerial duels, 21 tackles, nine blocks, two goals and one assist, Saliba has been flawless at the back for Mikel Arteta. He too earned a spot at the World Cup – making his debut for France in their 1-0 loss to Tunisia.
The 21-year-old will be relied upon even further once he returns from international duties, with star Arsenal teammate Gabriel Jesus suffering a knee injury in Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
And provided the level of play and maturity he has exhibited so far this season, which sees him currently as the third favourite in the football odds at SkyBet.com to come away with the PFA Young Footballer of the Year award – he’s more than capable of rising to the occasion.
Lisandro Martinez
Much was made of Lisandro Martinez’s height or lack thereof when Manchester United signed him earlier this year. Standing just five-feet-nine-inches tall, it is uncommon to see a centre-back that short in today’s game. However, what he lacks in height he makes up for in defensive nous, grit and skill.
The Red Devils have conceded more than one goal in just one of their last seven outings, with Martinez’s 41 successful aerial duels, 38 tackles and 15 blocks a big reason behind it.
Manchester United club great Patrice Evra spoke glowingly about Martinez’s play since joining the club.
“This is one of the best signings we’ve had for years at Manchester United,” he said. “It’s because of his fighting spirit. That’s what United fans want to see – those players have to bleed for the shirt.
“People were talking about his height and I was laughing. Some people said I was too small when I arrived in the Premier League as well. When you play with that heart and passion, size doesn’t matter.”
