Top 10 defenders in the Premier League this season

6. Pablo Zabaleta

Zabaleta has been a steadying force in the Manchester City backline

Being bloodied and bruised doesn’t stop Pablo Zabaleta. The combative right back is arguably one of the best right backs in the league and for all City’s defensive woes this season, Zaba offers some much-needed solidarity at the back.

Not too shabby going forward as well, the all round Argentine has contributed four assists and one goal apart from averaging 3.7 tackles per game. Occasionally Zaba gets beaten by a quick winger or turn of pace but more than makes up for it with his defensive positioning and covers for the errors of Kompany and Co.

5. Nathaniel Clyne

Nathaniel Clyne’s performance in the 2014/15 season earned him an England call-up

Another contender for the best right back of the season. Blessed with unending stamina, quick pace and tenacious tackling, its no wonder that Roy Hodgson has called him up to the England squad as Glen Johnson’s replacement.

Clyne is one of the most improved players this season -- from 1.1 interceptions last season to 1.9 and from 2.2 tackles per game last season to 3.4 this season - under Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman says that "Clyne is one of the best right full-backs that I've had in my teams during the last 15 years".