5 best defences in Top 5 European Leagues midway through the 2016/17 season

Modified Jan 04, 2017 14:57 GMT

WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur combine to clear the ball during the Premier League match between Watford and Tottenham Hotspur at Vicarage Road on January 1, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) — Hugo Lloris has been instrumental for Tottenham in defence this season

#4 Villarreal – La Liga – GCPG = 0.6875

VILLARREAL, SPAIN - DECEMBER 12: Villarreal CF players pose for a team picture during the La Liga match between Villarreal CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at El Madrigal stadium on December 12, 2016 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — Villarreal have climbed the La Liga table on the back of a solid defence

The main reason for Villarreal’s success this season in La Liga has been their defence, surprisingly. With just 11 goals conceded so far, the Yellow Submarines are the 2^nd best team across Europe for goals conceded, although they have only played 16 games so far this season.

It’s quite a feat for their manager Fran Escriba, as he has managed to ensure that the defensive solidity under Marcelinho continued into 2016/17. Villarreal have managed to keep a clean sheet in slightly less than half of their games, with 7 clean sheets out of 16 games.

Mario Gaspar leads the way for the Yellow Submarines with 3.3 tackles per game, while Mateo Musacchio remains the rock at the heart of the defence, averaging 4.5 clearances every game. Overall, Villarreal rely on interceptions most for their defensive play, making a superb 268 interceptions so far this year.

Edited by Staff Editor