'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Midfielders who can defend are pretty much a prerequisite these days for any team with ambitions of making it anywhere, such is the widespread use of false nines, trequartistas and other new-fangled concepts seizing hold of football. So who are the top tacklers in Europe today?
5. Benjamin Andre (Ajaccio), 29 Tackles
The first entry in our top five with 29 successful tackles so far this campaign, Ajaccio’s Benjamin Andre is actually an attacking midfielder by trade but he doesn’t let that get in the way of a good crunching tackle.
An average of eight defensive actions a game hints at an all-action nature, but Andre isn’t all that bad on the ball either – completing an average 74% of his passes.
4. Gabi (Atletico Madrid), 30 Tackles
Now we’re off to La Liga for the next installment in our top-five tacklers, with Atletico Madrid’s Gabi coming in joint third with 30 tackles to his name but has played a game more than the man ahead of him.
Gabi’s tireless work in midfield alongside Mario Suarez has been one of the key parts of Atletico’s sensational start to their La Liga campaign.
3. Allan (Udinese), 30 Tackles
Next up is Udinese’s 22-year-old anchorman Allan who has achieved an impressive 30 tackles in just six Serie A games so far this season.
The latest in a long line of tough Brazilian tacklers, Allan sits deep in the Udinese midfield and allows the likes of Andrea Lazzari and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu to get forward.
2. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal), 31 Tackles
In second place is Arsenal’s standout player this season, Aaron Ramsey, who managed a superb 31 tackles to go with the four goals scored in seven Premier League games.
Only time will tell if Ramsey can keep up this level of performance, but the Gunners will be hoping that the Welshman can lead Arsenal to silverware this season.
1. Victor Sanchez (Espanyol), 33 Tackles
Our most successful tackler is Espanyol’s Victor Sanchez with a bone-crunching total of 33 tackles this term, helping the Catalans to ninth place so far.
A Barcelona youth product, Sanchez is a jack-of-all-trades who can be deployed in defence or midfield, allowing him to snap at opponent heels all game.
