Top 10 defenders in the Premier League this season

2. Laurent Koscielny

Arsenal are a different side when he is playing in the centre of defence

A season in which the Frenchman Koscielny was out for a long period of time through an Achilles injury proved to be Arsenal’s Achilles heel as well. The Frenchman being out of the side caused a downward spiral of defensive performances, and his return resulted in some of the best defending by Arsenal in a long time.

Quick and excellent in the timing of his tackle, Koscielny makes up for the ultra slow Metersacker at the center of Arsenal’s defence. The answer is simple- Arsenal needs Laurent Koscielny.

Since August 2013, Arsenal have a win percentage of 73% in Premier League games Koscielny has completed, compared to just 39% without him. The Frenchman has scored 3 goals and averages 1.3 tackles per game. Anyway, Jamie Carragher is a fan, "I think Koscielny is one of the best centre-backs in the league. I really like him, I really rate him," and so does team mate Santi Cazorla "There are very few players like him in the world,". Claps all round.

1. John Terry

John Terry played every minute of the 2014/15 season at the age of 34

Talk about turning back the clock to provide some of your best performances in a Chelsea shirt and help your side win the Premier League title. Captain and commander of the Chelsea defence, which is the best in the league.

John Terry has gone from a shadow of his former self two seasons ago to the chief organizer of Mourinho’s title-winning defence. Exposed by his lack of pace under previous managers, Mourinho has made a remarkable turnaround, a manager who knows Terry’s game inside out.

He made the following changes to aid Terry:

1. Bought a defensive midfielder to do all the running;

2.A defensive-minded left-back;

3. A deeper defensive line;

Jose has based his entire defence on JT’s game and has showcased Terry's strengths of physicality, his blocking and anticipation. This new John Terry is a complete transformation from the gung-ho all action Terry of the 2000s. The result – least goals conceded and a title in the bag with Terry able to play on despite his age.

Terry has played the most minutes in the league amongst all the defenders, has scored 5 goals and averages 1.1 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 5.7 clearances and 0.8 blocks per game. Let’s just remind you that Terry is 34 by the way. Defender of the season.