Premier League: Ranking the top 5 defensive duos of the current season

With the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and Watford making it four wins in a row, this edition of Premier League has seen it all, in just one month. From wonders made in the midfield to top scorers forged in the most surprising manner, we've lived it all. However, without the right defence effected by these intimidating and strong 'heroes', it becomes more and more difficult for the opposition.

We've picked five of the strongest, intimidating and furious 'defensive duos' of the current Premier League season. Based on their ability to stop waves of attacks, making important tackles and leading from the back, they have earned their place as being some of the best defenders in the world.

#5 John Stones and Aymeric Laporte - Manchester City

The Frenchmen and the Englishmen have enjoyed their success together.

Near the end of the winter transfer window, January bought yet another major signing to the Manchester City lineup, in the form of none other than Aymeric Laporte. The French wall of power showed commitment against both Arsenal and Huddersfield at the beginning of this season's fixtures.

Moreover, joining forces with yet another 'hunk' of a defender, John Stones, the duo has now been credited as two of the most important defenders not only for Guardiola but also for the League. Combining youth with an almost parallel array of skill and strength, John Stones and Laporte allow the full-backs, Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy to push forward and join the attack, as they seem to be relied upon defensively.

Creating plays from the back with the likes of Fernandinho and David Silva, Laporte is now number 2nd in terms of 'completed passes', as his style of football Guardiola offers to focus more on passing and possession rather than delivering compensated attacks.

With John Stones staying inside the box, and Laporte leading from the outside, the centre-back duo is easily an asset for Manchester City, denying waves of attacks from the opposition.

#4 Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen - Tottenham Hotspur

The Belgian duo is here to stay.

Tottenham are now responsible for creating the most number of world class players. From Christian Eriksen, Harry Kane and Dele Alli to the likes of Danny Rose, Keiran Trippier, and H.M Son.

But what has really made the difference is this duo of pure Belgian delight has delivered the most stunning aspects of defensive prowess, not only for their national side but also for their club.

With the veteran Toby Alderweireld, being the energetic center back, who can easily be relied upon in terms of tackling, blocking free kicks and intimidating opposition, to the more versatile Jan Vertonghen, who without needing any introduction, is an all-round defensive maestro, who knows what his job truly is, and always delivers accordingly.

Combining with the likes of Davinson Sanchez, the duo have been an important factor for Spurs, as the unbreachable defence is evident to the fact that Tottenham is now becoming the contenders for the Premier League title race. Their skills and experience always strike fear in the heart of the offence.

#3 Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz - Chelsea

A resurrected Luiz, and a fresh Rudiger, Sarri seems to be enjoying his tenure.

This season, David Luiz looks completely different, be it in terms of his resurrected defensive prowess, to the unbelievable leadership quality that he has offered against the likes of Bournemouth and Newcastle.

The Brazilian has proved that not picking him up for the world cup squad was a true mistake. Getting better with every single game, David Luiz is now becoming a threat to the opposition. Antonio Rudiger on the other hand, being the calm, composed yet intimidating aggressor, has combined with this Brazilian centre-back to form a duo who you can close your eyes and rely on.

The two have had a good time under Sarri's tenure, as they now look forward to developing a strong, subtle defence with inputs from Azpilicueta and Alonso.

Luiz making the play for Chelsea and Rudiger building from the back sends a huge statement to the current Premier League teams that this defensive duo is something you wouldn't want to cross paths with. Surprisingly, however, they haven't had as many tackles as most of the teams have added totally but with the season being long enough, they can surely make that happen!

#2 Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas – Watford

With their issues aside, they have been a powerhouse in terms of stopping the opposition.

Watford have been many things this season, but most importantly, they have been consistent with their plays from the back. With Jose Holebas being the pacy left-back, who jumps to the defence almost immediately, to the Belgian-Congolese Christian Kabasele, who stays at the back of the defensive line, making sure that nobody enters his territory without taking permission.

Javi Garcia has laid down an unparallel form of defensive play with this Watford legion, combining the two defenders in a very unexpected manner. Something, not even the top teams would expect.

Though the two have had their issues in the past, with an array of inter-plays between the left back and the centre-back, they have now made it 4 in a row for Hornets. A much-underestimated victory over the mighty Spurs sealed the deal for Watford, as the duo made sure that they didn't capitalize.

#1 Virgil Van-Dijk and Joe Gomez - Liverpool

Easily the best 'defensive' duo of this season.

Klopp, in terms of spending his money, has done well by grabbing one of the top generals of the back line. The former Southampton defender Virgil Van-Dijk is now the most important centre-back at the Anfield.

As we saw up against a much intimidating Leicester City, the Dutch powerhouse denied every single attacking opportunity that the Foxes had. But being what he truly is, he didn't do it all on his own.

With his colleague, the English International Joe Gomez, the duo stopped the Leicester offence in a much more resilient and conclusive manner. With Gomez making runs from front to back, Van-Dijk stayed vigil at the back of the defence, blocking long shots and making important tackles for his team.

Klopp's gamble of playing the two aggressive powerhouses has given an insight to the future of Liverpool. The fact that the gamble could be applied against much bigger and better teams can lay down a new statement for the Reds.