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The Premier League is home to smart readers of the game on a consistent basis. Predicting an opponent's thought process is an art and certainly, some players have mastered it.
Manchester United's former midfielder Michael Carrick made it look effortlessly easy to intercept the ball solely with fine positioning and a superb understanding of the game. The Englishman wasn't the fastest of players but was excellent at making interceptions.
The Premier League has seen plenty of interceptions in the 2021-22 season
The Premier League is filled with players who have excellent positioning skills. They have only made it easier for their respective teams to win the ball back and disrupt opposition play.
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The 2021-22 season has seen some unexpected players make a significant number of interceptions so far. On that note, let's take a look at the players with the highest number of interceptions in the Premier League this campaign.
#5 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - 48 interceptions
The Liverpool defender has been in terrific form this season. With two goals and nine assists to his name in the 2021-22 campaign, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a massive contributor to the Reds' attack.
The Englishman has put in some impressive performances this season with his fabulous technique and amazing vision. At times, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been an unstoppable force on the right side for Liverpool.
Despite being attacking-minded, the 23-year old right-back has done well on the defensive side too this season. With 48 interceptions in the 2021-22 campaign, Trent Alexander-Arnold has made it to the top five of this list.
#4 Mohammed Salisu (Southampton) - 49 interceptions
The Ghanian defender was chosen to replace the departing Jaanik Vestergaard in last summer's transfer window. Mohammed Salisu has stepped up given the massive opportunity he had and has now become a reliable defender for Southampton.
The 22-year old centre-back has been one of the highlights for the Saints so far this season. With his aggressive and smart defensive approach, Mohammed Salisu has been able to keep quite a few attackers at bay.
With a successful pressure % of 42.7%, the Southampton defender ranks second-best in the Premier League right now. Mohammed Salisu has been a fine reader of the game so far and it has helped him make 49 interceptions in the league this season.
#3 Matthew Cash (Aston Villa) - 51 interceptions
The Premier League has seen some amazing performances from full-backs in the 2021-22 campaign and Matthew Cash has been one of them. The Aston Villa right-back has been quite impressive both with his attack and defense this season.
Generally, Matthew Cash has been quite attacking-minded but in the current campaign, his contributions have been more balanced. With 45 blocks to his name, the Englishman ranks third-best in this regard.
The 24-year old has made the second-most crosses in the Premier League this season with 55 crosses. Courtesy of Matthew Cash's smart reading, he has been able to make 51 interceptions in the current campaign.
#2 Declan Rice (West Ham United) - 55 interceptions
Declan Rice is arguably the most wanted player in the Premier League right now. Courtesy of his stellar performances with West Ham United, the Englishman will definitely be in high demand come next summer.
The 22-year old has been a phenomenal player in midfield with his understanding and reading of the game. Declan Rice is also pretty good with his passing and defensive abilities. In the last two Premier League seasons, he has finished with the second-most interceptions in the league.
He has only got better this season with 55 interceptions to his name. With more consistency added to his game this campaign, Declan Rice is currently one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
#1 Valentino Livramento (Southampton) - 55 interceptions
Valentino Livramento came through the ranks at Chelsea. The English right-back looked set to continue with the Blues before contract talks broke down between the club and the player.
Amidst this breakdown, Valentino Livramento decided to join Southampton in the Premier League. Ever since joining them, the Englishman has been a regular figure with the Saints. He is known to be quite attacking-minded given his quick pace and brilliant crossing abilities.
The 19-year old has already scored once this season in the Premier League and has been a lively presence on the right. Despite being on the offense more frequently, Valentino Livramento has made 55 interceptions this season, the most in the league so far. Having played a game less than Declan Rice, the Southampton right-back is ranked at the top of the list.
