'%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)
#3 John Stones | Manchester City
John Stones has enjoyed one of the most significant redemption arcs in the Premier League's recent past. The Englishman couldn't get a game at the Etihad and was on the brink of an exit from the club. His status as one of Manchester City's big-money flops was all but sealed up until he made his return.
Trending
Once he found his groove, however, John Stones reminded the Premier League why he was so highly rated in the first place. The Englishman had a superb season at the heart of Manchester City's defence alongside Ruben Dias, complementing the Portuguese brilliantly. His ability to bring the ball out of the back with ease has been one of the most important aspects of Guardiola's defence this season.
Stones won 75.4% of his aerial duels and had a higher pass accuracy (94.3) than anyone in the Premier League this season. City have only conceded 12 goals in the 22 league games he's played in, and he is likely to be in line for a start in the UCL final as well. He's played fewer games than most players on this list, but whenever he has featured, he's simply been majestic.
#2 Luke Shaw | Manchester United
While he might not have had as drastic a redemption arc as his compatriot and rival Stones, Luke Shaw has had a very impressive season in his own way. The full-back's lack of attacking impetus was one of his biggest criticism, and he's now managed to add that to his game. Shaw was arguably the best attack-oriented full-back in the 2020-21 season, and has also been reliable in defence.
The 26-year-old bombed down the flank tirelessly throughout their league campaign and added a different dimension to their attack. Shaw also formed a great understanding with both Maguire and Marcus Rashford on the left-hand side, working well in tandem with them.
Shaw has had a magnificent campaign and deservedly earned his recall into the England squad. He is likely to be Southgate's first choice at the upcoming UEFA Euro, which would be the crowning moment of his return to form.
#1 Ruben Dias | Manchester City
Who else but Manchester City's warrior at the back was expected to take up the top spot? Ruben Dias has been a phenom in defence for Guardiola's side this season and he's been a transformative signing for them. Apart from having a Virgil van Dijk-esque impact on his side, Dias has also brought the best out of John Stones next to him.
Whether it's in purely defensive terms or on the ball, Dias has been brilliant in every regard. Only Luke Ayling has a higher progressive carrying distance than Dias' 8061 yards, and only Stones has managed a higher pass accuracy than him. Like Stones, he's extremely comfortable on the ball, but he's also a vocal leader and an organiser without it.
Dias added the steel that City needed to compete in the UCL and he's been nearly infallible in the Premier League as well. The champions have only conceded 20 goals in his 32 starts for them in the league.
Guardiola was full of praise for his star defender, and highlighted his ability to organise and be vocal on the pitch. The Catalan explained;
"He’s not just a player who plays good, he’s a player who makes the other guys play good too. It’s 90 minutes talking, 90 minutes communicating, 90 minutes leading, 90 minutes saying what they have to do in every single action."
Dias has been the leader that City craved since Vincent Kompany left the club, and at 23, he can go on to have many more successful years at the Etihad.
Also read: European Team of the Season (2020-21)
