The following is, in my view, the best defence of the English Premier League in 2011 (purely arbitrary, so please feel free to let your opinion be known) :
GOALKEEPER – Joe Hart (Manchester City)
Joe Hart was the base of Manchester City’s rock solid defence in the 2010-11 season, and has earned himself the No.1 jersey for England in the process. He is widely considered to be the best ‘keeper in the English Premier League, and certainly one of the best in world football, Joe Hart has continued his good form in the current season, despite City shifting to more attacking oriented displays.
Notable mentions – Edwin Van der Sar (Man. Utd, retired), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Ali Al-Habsi (Wigan)
RIGHT BACK – Micah Richards (Manchester City)
Micah Richards is noted for his attacking threat as much as his defensive technique. A big, strong, defender with good pace, and great passing vision, he forays down the right wing to devastating effect. Injury has affected him at times, and Mancini has accused him of lacking in concentration, but at the age of 23, Richards has plenty of time to address these issues, and it’s safe to say that a successful career lies ahead of him. Fabio Capello continues to overlook him for the England spot, to everyone’s bewilderment, but purely on the basis of form and merit, there’s no one who deserves that place more deserving than Micah, right now.
Notable Mentions – Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Chris Smalling (Man. Utd), Kyle Walker (Tottenham)
- CENTRE BACK – Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s main man in defence, and the Manchester Fan’s and Player’s “Player of The Year”. And rightfully so. Kompany was one of the bargain buys of the current City team having been bought from HSV for a mere £6 million. In an ever-evolving City side, Kompany remains one of their best players, and is essential, if City want to reach the heights they’re aiming for.
Notable Mentions – Fabricio Collocini (Newcastle), Ledley King (Tottenham), Daniel Agger (Liverpool)
CENTRE BACK – Nemanja Vidic
The current season has been turbulent for the Manchester United captain, with an injury ruling him out for the remainder of the season. But, when on the pitch, Vidic is the best United player, and the best Centre-Back in the world. Vidic was instrumental in holding together their defence and steering the Red Devils to their 19th Premier League title. His importance is magnified in his absence, most notably in the 6-1 defeat of City, and the 3-3 draw vs Basel, Vidic is as important to the United cause as Kompany is to City’s.
Notable Mentions – Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Thomas Vermaelan (Arsenal), Richard Dunne (Aston Villa)
LEFT BACK – Leighton Baines
The best left-back in the English game at the moment is Leighton Baines, and not Ashley Cole, in my opinion. Baines has been consistent in both, his attacking forays, and defensive duties. With left foot ability that would put the likes of Gareth Bale to shame, he harrows defences with his crosses, and is the de-facto penalty-taker for Everton because of his powerful strike. His speed and tackling also attest his defensive credentials for his team, and an England berth, as backup to Ashley Cole could beckon in Euro 2012.
Notable Mentions – Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham), Jose Enrique (Liverpool), Ryan Taylor (Newcastle)
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