While a spotlight is almost always on those who score and create goals, the work done by those at the back in order facilitate forward movements should also be recognised. Here are Europe's five most effective defenders this season!
Some managers adore the idea of winning the ball and instantly turn defence into attack, which these days is referred to as "transitional" play. The Coaches' Voice described this moment of transition as decisive because "they require quick, co-ordinated action and organisation as a collective to try to take advantage of the opponent's temporary, disorganised state."
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This, however, can only happen if a team has players competent enough to win the ball back on a regular basis. Having said that, five defenders in Europe's top five leagues (the Premier League, LALIGA, Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1) have proved fantastic at helping their teams regain possession by making crucial tackles that not only halt their opponents but also put them on the back foot, according to statistics collected by FBref.
Here's who they are!
5. Bernardo
The Brazilian plays for Bundesliga side Bochum and has missed just one league game this season due to a yellow card suspension. His side is enduring a tough season, though as they are currently in 14th spot, just four points away from the relegation zone, and have also conceded 65 goals. The 28-year-old is, however, a shining light in what could be considered a grim season.
He has made 91 tackles, and 54 of those has led to his side regaining the ball. Bernardo has also contributed significantly with 53 interceptions, which makes one think about his importance in the side and whether Bochum would be facing an even more intense threat to their status as a top-flight club were it not for the influential centre-back.
4. Bradley Locko
The player who currently plies his trade at Ligue 1 side Stade Brestois 29 is currently linked to English clubs Liverpool, Aston Villa, and West Ham United. Based on what he has produced so far this season and what he would be able to bring to any team, this should come as no surprise.
Les Pirates currently sit third on the table after a campaign that has seen them win 16 of their 32 matches thus far, conceding just 34 goals, and with Locko having started each game. The 22-year-old made 55 tackles that resulted in his team winning possession of the ball. He has also made 40 interceptions, proving himself a capable defender. While many would say that every defender in world football is destined to make a mistake at some point over the course of a season, Locko seems to be the outlier in that regard as he has not made a single defensive error that led to an opposition shot this term.
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— Dee. (@DeeFoot91) May 9, 2024
3. Antonee Robinson
The left-back has been sensational for Fulham, contributing to the side going forward with six assists in 35 league games. Defensively, he has also been instrumental with a tackle success rate of 63%, while his team retained possession after 56 of his tackles. The 26-year-old American has a combined figure of 165 when it comes to the number of tackles and interceptions he has made.
2. Pedro Porro
The Spaniard arrived at Tottenham Hotspur in July last year, and has become an important figure for the the Lilywhites, contributing to the attack with one goal and seven assists in the league.
On the defensive side of things, he has made three errors resulting in an opposition's shot at goal, but he should probably be allowed some leeway considering he has made an impressive 60 tackles leading to turnovers. The tackles he has made have come from all over the pitch too, having registered 41 in the defensive third, 32 in the midfield third, and 14 in the attacking third.
1. Emerson Palmieri
In top spot for tackles leading to his side regaining possession is West Ham left-back Emerson with 62. Although results have not gone their way lately, with three defeats in their past five matches, one could still say that the Italian defender has contributed phenomenally at the back, having made a total of 98 tackles and 41 interceptions. The 29-year-old has also scored one goal and assisted on two occasions too.
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