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#3 Luke Shaw - Manchester United
Luke Shaw has been one of the Premier League's most improved players over the last year.
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Having joined from Southampton in 2014, Shaw's stint with Manchester United has been underwhelming due to injuries and a fallout with Jose Mourinho. Although he did perform at his best in the 2018-19 season, he seemed to have fallen off the pace a little in the following season.
However, Shaw roared back and silenced his critics last year with a string of unbelievable performances in the 2020-21 campaign. Lining up on the left side of the defensive line, he was regularly seen bursting down the wings and delivering inch-perfect crosses.
Shaw seems like a transformed player and has received appreciation for his performances from all corners. His performances earned him a call-up to the English national team, as well as a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
Shaw was excellent for England as well and bagged three assists at Euro 2020. He even scored the Three Lions' only goal in the final of the tournament, although his side were ultimately beaten by Italy on penalties.
Shaw also won the Manchester United Players' Player of the Year award last season. There is no doubt the left-back will be instrumental in deciding United's success in the 2021-22 campaign.
#2 John Stones - Manchester City
John Stones has developed into one of Manchester City's most dependable players.
Despite joining in 2016, Stones initially struggled to break into the starting XI. He was used as a squad player and given chances during domestic cup games. A brief period of form in the 2017-18 campaign saw him become a starter for Pep Guardiola's men. However, Stones fell off the pace once again and was relegated to the bench for much of the 2019-20 season.
The Englishman is well-known for his physical presence. Standing at 1.88m, Stones is very effective in aerial duels. He also has an aura of calmness on the ball and is excellent at finding his teammates.
With Aymeric Laporte injured early on in the 2020-21 season, Stones was called in as what seemed like a temporary replacement. However, his performances were extremely impressive and he nailed down a regular starting berth.
Partnered with Ruben Dias at the heart of the defense, the pair hardly conceded goals whenever they played together during the season. City boasted the Premier League's best defensive record, which was largely down to Stones' prowess at centre-back.
Stones was also called up for UEFA Euro 2020 and enjoyed a spectacular campaign with the Three Lions. He played the second-highest minutes among all the players in the squad and was a key figure as England kept five clean sheets. He will have a massive role to play next season as City look to defend their Premier League crown.
#1 Ruben Dias - Manchester City
Ruben Dias is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.
He was signed from Benfica last year for a reported £62 million. With a huge price tag to his name, Dias came with high expectations to perform and transform the Manchester City defense.
Dias burst onto the Premier League with aplomb. Making his debut in October, he went on to make 32 appearances for the Cityzens. The Portuguese was instrumental in City's defensive transformation and ensured City kept 19 clean sheets over the course of the season.
Famed for his "no-nonsense" style of defending, Dias has received praise from fans and pundits alike. He is blessed with a combination of aerial ability and distribution, and is highly appreciated by the rest of the Premier League as well.
Dias won the FWA Footballer of the Year and the Premier League Player of the Season for his performances in the 2020-21 season. He was also a key figure in Manchester City's UEFA Champions League run. Although City lost in the final to eventual winners Chelsea, the Portuguese certainly deserves praise for his performances throughout the competition.
With the Premier League kicking off again in just about three weeks, all eyes will be on Ruben Dias as Manchester City look to defend their title.
