Top 5 Central Defenders EPL preview - Does Man City bound Stones make the cut?

With the first Premier League games on the 13th of August fast approaching we highlight 5 of the best centre backs in the Premier League who will be hoping to see their teams to clean sheet after clean sheet. The best of those in the heart of defence have intelligent positioning, physicality and an aerial presence in abundance to halt all attackers in their tracks. Who will the top 5 be come the end of the 2016/17 season?

#5 Vincent Kompany - Manchester City

The Belgium defender joined Manchester City in 2008 for £6 million as a holding midfielder, however Kompany went on to establish himself as a centre back where he has excelled ever since. Kompany endured a difficult 2015/16 campaign as a result of injury in addition to missing the Euros, yet he still has undeniable quality. If Kompany were to partner Stones in City's defence next season it would be unsurprising to see them at the top of the table. Whilst two seasons ago he was undoubtedly the most reliable defender now a days it appears he has more Kompany for pole position...



#4 Virgil Van Dijk - Southampton FC

The Dutchman arrived at Southampton from Celtic for a fee of £12 million last season and was immediately their first choice centre back alongside Fonte. The 25 year old marked 3 times in total on top of 7 MOTM performances, more than any other Southampton player. Van Dijk is immense in the air, he comes better off in aerial duels on average 5 times a match, furthermore he's not lacking in pace nor physicality. Fortunately for Southampton fans Van Dijk signed a 6 year contract in May to ensure his commitments to the club for many as season to come.

#3 Toby Alderweireld - Tottenham Hotspur

From one Southampton player to a former, Alderweireld spent a season on loan on the South coast from Atletico Madrid in the 2014/15 season. Despite Southampton's best attempts the 27 year old opted for a permanent move to London for £12 million where he put in a fantastic display throughout the season. Alderweireld is very versatile, he's not only a CB but can also be deployed as a right back, the rapid Walker made sure this wasn't the case however. Alderweireld started all 38 games last season, in which he scored 4 times and also registered 2 assists. Alderweireld partnered up well with his compatriot Vertonghen, by consequence expect another strong showing from the two next season.

#2 Chris Smalling - Manchester United

Smalling has come a long way in recent years since he boarded the train of improvement. The 26 year old is not only Manchester United but also England's starting centre back, it's unsurprising given he saw the Red Devils to as many as 18 clean sheets last season, the best in the league by 5! On top of that Louis Van Gaal's men conceded less than a goal a game on average thanks to Smalling's aerial presence and impressive pace for a man at the back. Credit must also be given to the resilient David De Gea in net. Chris Smalling will be tasked with instructing new signing Eric Bailly who possesses potential but additionally a rashness about him.

#1 Laurent Koscielny - Arsenal FC

With Mertesacker injured even more pressure is heaped upon the Frenchman who put in a class performance at the Euros for France. Rumours of a £20 million bid for Mustafi are whispered around the Arsenal camp however for now Koscielny and either Chambers/Gabriel will start against Liverpool in the first match of the season. Koscielny has all the qualities needed in a CB, he's not afraid to pass it out, he's an aerial threat in his own and opposition's box (4 goals last season) and he has developed a good relationship with Mertesacker for the Gunners. Koscielny will be hoping his performances can see Arsenal to a title that has eluded them all to often in recent years.

Notable Mentions 

John Stones - Everton FC
Wes Morgan - Leicester City

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