Premier League 20-21: Ranking the 5 best ball-carriers in the league so far

#4 Jordan Henderson (7695)

Liverpool's mister dependable

Jordan Henderson is and always will be underrated by football fans. A versatile presence in Liverpool's midfield, the Englishman has recently filled in at centre-back for the Reds but his quality on the ball hasn't decreased a bit.

Since a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on October 22, 2017, Liverpool have lost only two Premier League games when Jordan Henderson has started in central midfield. Both were against Manchester City, one being a couple of days after winning the title. #awlfc [@_ChrisBascombe] pic.twitter.com/bytaHMOwpM

— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) February 4, 2021

The 30-year-old might not be a chance-creating machine, but he doesn't need to be one in a Liverpool side who rely on their full-backs, Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold, for much of their shot-creating actions.

Whenever Henderson is fit, he is an automatic pick for Jurgen Klopp. The Englishman's leadership qualities are just a bonus to go with his quality.

#3 Ruben Dias (7773)

Manchester City have found someone indispensable at the back

Ruben Dias has transformed Manchester City's defense, along with Pep Guardiola's new system featuring two false-nines. The Portuguese defender has formed an incredible partnership with John Stones as City continue their record-breaking run of 15 consecutive wins in England's top-flight.

Has Ruben Dias had as big an impact at Manchester City as Virgil van Dijk did at Liverpool when he signed? 🤔

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 7, 2021

The 23-year-old is quite dominant in the air and he rarely makes any glaring errors. He doesn't look out of place in a possession-heavy team, playing from the left-hand side in a back two. In just a few months, Dias has become central to the way City function as a unit. It is fair to say that he hasn't been a bad acquisition for the Citizens.