Best players in the Premier League: Top 10 centre-backs this season

#3 Victor Lindelof (Sweden, Manchester United)

Manchester United v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League Round of 16: First Leg

The Ice Man had a debut season to forget and many wondered if he would slip into oblivion this year. Contrary to the expectations, Lindelof has been the lone shining light in the United defense this season and his emergence has been one of the few positives that Solskjaer can take into the next season.

The Swede was heavily involved at the start of the season but soon fell out of Mourinho's plans at the end of the Portuguese's tenure, even though he did start the disastrous defeat at the hands of Liverpool.

When Solskjaer took over as caretaker manager, Lindelof enjoyed greater support. His performances showed that he was a class above the defenders at United’s disposal. He was crucial as United went 12 games unbeaten in the league; the Swedish defender started in 11 of those games, scored 1 and even picked up an assist!

Lindelof is a ball playing defender who has fantastic vision for a pass; he has averaged 50 passes per game in the premier league. He rarely goes into rash tackles and has a decent tackle success rate of 68%. His positioning has been outstanding and he has been very effective with the ball from the deep.

He has registered 64 accurate long balls, 1 through ball and has also created 4 big chances. If United can procure a strong partner for him in the summer, most of their problems would be solved because Lindelof has been the third best defender in the league this season.