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The 2021-22 Premier League season has all the makings to be one of the most open campaigns in years. That's because, unlike in years past, there are several teams who have deep squads and some world-class players to call upon this time.
The likes of Manchester United and Chelsea have strengthened their teams, while Liverpool will have their key players back from a nightmarish injury-plagued 2020-21 campaign.
Several other teams like the likes of Leicester City and Arsenal will hope to push for a top-four place, which could make it an entertaining Premier League season this time.
There have been some impressive defensive additions to teams this summer, which could make the teams at the top a lot more difficult to catch up for the chasing pack.
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So without further ado, here's a look at the top five defenders to watch out for in the 2021-22 Premier League:
#5 Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Signed from RB Leipzig for a fee of £36 million, Ibrahima Konate is expected to push the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez for a place in the Liverpool playing XI in the Premier League this season.
The Frenchman was part of an impressive young core at Leipzig that pushed Bayern Munich all the way for the league title last season, and has a high ceiling.
Konate was impressive for Liverpool in pre-season. He was difficult to get past, showed good recovery pace when he was caught high up the pitch, and distributed the ball well.
Liverpool struggled with injuries last season, so it’s highly unlikely they'll have a similar scenario this season. Even if they do, they have some quality depth in their squad this time.
#4 Ben White (Arsenal)
Ben White is one of the most talented young defenders in the Premier League after becoming Arsenal’s record defensive signing this summer. White’s ability on the ball is second to none in the league, as he can play raking long passes, and bring the ball out from the back as well.
The defender showed his quality in the Championship under a demanding manager like Marcelo Bielsa in the 2019-20 season, helping Brighton retain their top-flight status.
At Arsenal, White will have better players around him, so he should get more opportunities to showcase his quality on the pitch.
#3 Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
Tottenham Hotspur have replaced Toby Alderweireld with talented Argentina defender Cristian Romero this summer. The 23-year-old was a key cog for Atalanta last season, and then for Argentina in their victorious Copa America 2021 campaign.
Romero is a typical modern-day centre-back who can play the ball out from the back, and is also adept with his defending.
What’s notable is that Romero was part of a three-at-the-back system at Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini, and is expected to play in a similar system at Tottenham.
Although Spurs played a back four in pre-season, the back three is an option, one that could perhaps suit Romero more.
#2 Ruben Dias (Manchester City)
Ruben Dias had a stunning debut campaign for Manchester City, and was a key figure at the back for Pep Guardiola’s Premier League-winning side last campaign.
Manchester City went from a porous unit at the back to one of the most assured defences in the Premier League in a matter of just months last season, after Dias' arrival.
Dias, who moved to Manchester City for a fee of around £60 million, took a while to settle into the pace and physicality of the Premier League. But once he did that, he was key in the way Manchester City played.
The Portuguese passed the ball with verve, and used his 1.86-meter frame to good effect, as he didn’t let strikers have it all their way. Dias won the FWA Footballer of the Year award for his exploits last season, and will want to prove that he is not a one-season wonder.
#1 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Virgil van Dijk played just five games last season after not missing even a single game in the 2019-19 and 2019-20 Premier League seasons. Liverpool struggled big time in his absence and struggled to hold their own despite using several defensive pairings during the course of the campaign.
Van Dijk’s presence at the back makes Liverpool a more complete team. His ability to spray passes speeds up their build-up play, and he is often a towering presence against more direct teams.
Liverpool were one of the meanest teams in Europe with Van Dijk at the back, so his return could make them title contenders next season. But the question is, can he get back to his best after such a long and debilitating injury?
