10 best defenders in European football this season 

#8: James Tarkowski - Burnley

James Tarkowski has been a key member of Burnley's defence this season.

Burnley's goalkeeper Nick Pope currently leads the Premier League in clean sheets, managing 15 shutouts in 37 games. Though he deserves all the credit for the same, if not for James Tarkowski's no-nonsense defending in front of him, Pope would've had his hands full this season.

Tarkowski leads the league in clearances (200) as well as headed clearances (111). He also has one of the best aerial duel success rate (73%) in the league while winning the most aerial duels (192) this season.

Tarkowski is second only to Tyrone Mings in blocks for the season, with his tally of 46 just one short of the Aston Villa defender's.

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#7: Achraf Hakimi - Borussia Dortmund

Achraf Hakimi secured a move to Inter Milan following an impressive season at Borussia Dortmund.

Achraf Hakimi saw an incredible improvement in his second season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, as he ended up with ten assists and five goals in 33 appearances for the German club.

His goal contribution was only bettered by Thorgan Hazard, Marco Reus and Jadon Sancho for Die Borussen.

Achraf was utilised in a variety of positions by Lucien Favre throughout the season, and though he was effective in whatever role the manager entrusted him to play, he proved his mettle as a wing-back on the right-hand side of the pitch.

Achraf Hakimi is the only full-back/wing-back in Europe's top five leagues + Eredivisie + Primeira Liga to reach double figures for open play assists so far this season.❍ 33 games❍ 10 assists❍ 5 goalsAntonio Conte has just signed the perfect player. 😍 pic.twitter.com/tVkyV6rjW1

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 2, 2020

The only weakness in the Morocco international's game seems to be in one-on-one situations during defending.

If the opponents catch him on his unfavourable side, he is easily beaten on the flanks. But that's not going to be a problem for him as it is expected that he will play ahead of a three-man defence at Inter Milan where his main role will be in creating chances from wide positions.

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#6: Jesus Navas - Sevilla

Sevilla FC v RCD Espanyol - La Liga

Yes, you read that right, Jesus Navas, once a feared winger for Spain and Manchester City, in 2019-20 emerged as one of the best full-backs in Europe with Sevilla.

The shift in the player's role started gradually under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium. But Navas thinks that the years of covering for Dani Alves at Sevilla between 2002 and 2008 helped him adjust to his new role at the Spanish club.

Despite being confined to a defensive role, Navas attempted 232 crosses and sent in 55 into the penalty area in the La Liga this season. He was a key player as Los Palanganas finished fourth in the league and secured a Champions League spot.

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#5: Gerard Pique - Barcelona

Barcelona had a disastrous finish to the La Liga season, but Gerard Pique's performances were not to blame for that.

Gerard Pique gave everything he had for Barcelona this season and continued to be a leader for them through a disastrous season.

Individually he was excellent, featuring in the upper echelons of the defensive metrics at the end of the season. Pique ranked second for aerial duels won (129) while he was second for headed clearances (90) and fourth for possession won (220).

Barcelona played a possession-based game during the season, and surprisingly Pique saw a lot of that possession as he ended up with the most successful passes for a defender in the Spanish top-flight. His tally of 2681 is only bettered by Virgil Van Dijk across Europe's top leagues.

At 33, Pique might not have the same agility as he used to have earlier and also does not offer an aerial threat from set-pieces, but he obliged with his duties as a centre-back for the Catalan giants.

His poor disciplinary record, with 15 yellow cards - the most in the league - blighted an otherwise decent season for the former Spain international.

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