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#3. Virgil Van Dijk - Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the most influential players in Liverpool's history.
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Signed from Southampton in 2018, the Dutchman is regarded as one of the signings that changed the club's fortunes. Liverpool spent a reported £75 million at the time, a fee that was considered exorbitant but has proved to be worth it since.
Van Dijk has reinforced the Liverpool defense ever since he joined. His partnership at the back with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson has proved to be quite formidable. This strengthened defensive partnership has enabled the club to win silverware after a long time.
Van Dijk won the 'Premier League Player of the Season' and 'UEFA Men's Player of the Year' award in 2019 for his exploits.
Considered one of the best defenders in the world, Van Dijk has been in excellent form this season. He was unlucky to miss most of last season through injury, but has come back like he never left.
He will certainly be an important figure in determining Liverpool's fortunes this season.
#2. Trent Alexander-Arnold - Liverpool
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best wingbacks in world football.
The Englishman has developed into a world-class player over the last few years and has been integral to the club's recent success. His partnership with Andy Robertson on either side of defense is currently one of the best in world football and among the best in the club's history.
The 23-year-old emerged as a fairly unknown entity from Liverpool's academy, but has since become one of the most important players in Jurgen Klopp's setup. He also holds the record for most assists by a defender in a Premier League season in 2019-20 (13).
Alexander-Arnold is blessed with a wand of a right foot and can often be seen swinging crosses into the box. He has enjoyed great success with the club, even winning the Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles.
Still only 23, Alexander-Arnold already has some commendable achievements to his name. There is no doubt he will only improve and take his career to new heights.
#1. Joao Cancelo - Manchester City
Joao Cancelo has arguably been the Premier League's best defender so far.
The Manchester City fullback has been in top form this season. Operating as a hybrid inverted fullback in Pep Guardiola's system, Cancelo seems to have unlocked a higher level this season.
Cancelo is originally a right-back, but has mostly been used on the left during recent times. Despite being right-footed, Cancelo is able to contribute massively from the left wing.
Certainly one of Pep's most trusted players, Cancelo is adept at breaking up opponents' play. He also contributes a lot in attack with his accurate crosses and passing through the lines.
The Portuguese has been in fine form so far: he leads the charts for passes (695) and interceptions (84) in the Premier League so far. He enjoyed a similar start to the season last year as well, but failed to carry his form into the rest of the season.
With the Cityzens looking to retain their Premier League title, Cancelo will certainly be key to achieving this feat.
