Brighton and Hove Albion - Shane Duffy
Brighton were expected to find the top flight tough to handle, but they have held their own commendably this season. A major reason for this has been their tight defence of which Shane Duffy has been a major part of.
The Seagulls have kept 8 clean sheets this term and only 7 sides have bettered this tally. Duffy has been brilliant for them, and he leads the league in clearances made. His threat from set pieces is also considerable. All in all, a solid defender.
Burnley - Ben Mee
During their time in the Premier League, Burnley have proven to be a stubborn opposition numerous times, and Ben Mee has been an integral part of that. Sean Dyche's side have reached new levels this season, and much of the credit has to go to their defence skippered by Mee.
A true English defender, Mee is aerially strong at both ends of the pitch. He has been the anchor for Sean Dyche's defence for the past years and to great effect. Under the radar for some time, Mee and the rest of the Clarets are finally getting the recognition they deserve.