Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Ricardo Perreira topped the list of best tacklers last season. However, the tackling-machines are nowhere to be found this term.
The Foxes stars are injured while the Red Devils have had a shaky start to the campaign. Let’s have a look at the list for this season so far. And we promise some surprises.
1. Allan
Everton made a huge statement in the transfer window. James Rodriguez stole the headlines but Allan, a £21.7 million (BBC) arrival from Napoli, has been one of the best signings of the summer.
The Brazilian tops the list with 32 tackles this season in just seven games. That averages to about 4.2 tackles a game and it’s no surprise the Toffees started the campaign as well as they did with Allan in the middle of the park.
2. Oriol Romeu
The Southampton man is among the most under-rated midfielders in the Premier League. Romeu has been one of the Saints’ most consistent players since he joined from Chelsea in 2015.
The 29-year-old has made 31 tackles in the league in eight games this season. Surely it’s time for Ralph Hasenhuttl to hand him a new deal before he leaves for free at the end of this campaign?
3. Andros Townsend
Probably the most surprising name on the list, the Crystal Palace attacker has more tackles to his name than all his side’s defenders. Townsend has made 27 tackles, which shows his brilliance off the ball. However, Eagles fans would much rather see his attacking numbers increase.
The former Tottenham man has started every game this season but has just one goal to his name. Roy Hodgson will be delighted with his defensive output but a bit more spark in attack would make Crystal Palace an even better side.
4. Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas
The Leeds United defenders have racked up 26 tackles each in the Premier League this season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side started the campaign well but back-to-back defeats have dampened the mood.
The Leeds boss demands a lot from his players. Ayling and Dallas’ numbers will surely make him happy but just two of his players in the top 20 might not.
6. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
Tottenham signed the Dane from Southampton for only £15 million (Sky Sports). That’s proving one of the bargains of the season as Hojbjerg has been excellent for Jose Mourinho in the middle of the park.
The former Saints skipper has played the full 90 minutes in every Premier League game so far. He has 24 tackles under his belt already. If he continues to improve, he’ll be among the best tacklers in the division by the end of the season.
Stats credit: PremierLeague.com
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