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Who were the best defenders in September? Rose, Koscielny and more

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Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Everton, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal stars all feature.

September was an important match for all Premier League teams as the transfer window closed and was immediately followed by the international break.

That provided sides all over the country with problems as momentum was brought to a halt and important players picked up injuries while on international duty with their countries.

However, several defenders stepped up and made it easier for their sides to secure vital points and we’ve taken a look at the best defenders last month in several key areas.

Outfield Blocks

TeamPosOutfielder BlockAppsMins
Michael DawsonSpursDF103270
Ashley WilliamsSwanseaDF63270
Curtis DaviesHullDF53270
Ryan ShawcrossStokeDF53270
Wes BrownSunderlandDF42180

Former Tottenham Hotspur captain Michael Dawson was the best in terms of outfield blocks for Hull. That shows that Dawson’s positional play was spot on last month as the basic job of any defender is to put himself between the attacker and his own goal.

Tackles Won

TeamPosWon TackleAppsMins
Danny RoseSpursDF103263
Calum ChambersArsenalDF93189
Pablo ZabaletaMan CityDF93246
Ritchie de LaetLeicesterDF93244
Leighton BainesEvertonDF83270

Tottenham’s Danny Rose made the most successful tackles in September, making it extremely difficult for teams to attack down Spurs’ left hand side. Rose has been in great form this season, as Tottenham summer signing Ben Davies waits patiently for a chance.

Effective Clearances

TeamPosEffective ClearanceAppsMins
Curtis DaviesHullDF463270
Damien DelaneyCrystal PalaceDF333270
Phil JagielkaEvertonDF333270
Jason ShackellBurnleyDF333270
Ashley WilliamsSwanseaDF313270

Hull’s Curtis Davies was the most effective player when it came to clearing the ball, as he was able to consistently remove the pressure over his team at key moments. It will also please Roberto Martinez to see Everton defender Phil Jagielka featuring in this section considering the criticism the Toffees’ back four has received this season.

Aerial Duels Won

TeamPosAerial WonAppsMins
Curtis DaviesHullDF183270
Paul DummettNewcastleDF152180
Dejan LovrenLiverpoolDF143270
Ryan ShawcrossStokeDF143270
Scott DannCrystal PalaceDF133270

Davies also tops the list for aerial duels won last month, making it difficult for sides to hurt Hull over the top. Liverpool will also be pleased to see Dejan Lovren so effective in this area considering the pressure he’s been under following his big money move from Southampton in the summer.

Interceptions Won

TeamPosInterception WonAppsMins
Laurent KoscielnyArsenalDF173270
Curtis DaviesHullDF133270
Angel RangelSwanseaDF133261
César AzpilicuetaChelseaDF113270
Younes KaboulSpursDF113270

Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny proved to be the most intelligent central defender during September, stepping in and making more successful interceptions than anyone else. The Frenchman has been one of Arsene Wenger’s most consistent players over the last couple of seasons.