Goal.com

An avid Goal.com reader Jigar Shah has a look at seven defenders from the Premier League who he thinks will make season 2009-10 a memorable one for themselves...

Let me start with some facts:
    
Goal.com’s Sulmaan Ahmad predicts John Terry as the Best Defender for Premier League Season 2009-10. Mark Hughes said after signing his summer target Joleon Lescott that he is arguably the best defender in the Premier League. Last season, Manchester United ace Nemanja Vidic was named as Barclays Player of the Season 2008-09.

The foundation of every successful team lies in its defence. Last season we saw some rising stars and some fabulous performances by premier league’s defenders. In this edition we will bring you the top seven defenders (on current form) in premier league.

Nemanja Vidic – Manchester United
Nationality: Serbian
Shirt Number: 15
Quotes: Sir Alex once said “He has the courage of Bruce. He would always stick his head in and ask the question of the forward”

He is the most consistent player in the Manchester United squad and last season Barclay’s player of the season 2008-09. He is a brave, tough and every mangers dream. The Serbian international is handful in set pieces, scored 7 goals last term, that’s what you expect from a top notch defender. Arguably, the best defender in the Europe (on current form) is the reason for United’s best defensive record last term along with Chelsea conceding only 24 goals.  

John Terry - Chelsea
Nationality: English
Shirt Number: 26
Quotes: Carlo Ancelotti said “John Terry is Chelsea’s Symbol”

The England Captain is already a legend at the age of 28 for his club. The Blues owes a lot to their solid, no nonsense centre back, is equally dangerous in set pieces (scored 8 goals in 2004-05 season), and is a backbone of Chelsea Football Club. The club recently awarded him with a whopping £160,000 salary a week, making him the highest paid Englishman in the premier league.

Rio Ferdinand – Manchester United
Nationality: English
Shirt Number: 5
Quotes: Sir Alex has said “Rio Ferdinand as arguably the best defender in Europe”
 
A record breaking signing for United, £30 million in 2002 from Leeds, is a rock in United’s defence. His partnership with Vidic is the best in the premier league, helping United to win three back to back premier league titles and a Champions league crown. The stylish defender is second richest defender in premier league and totally committed with the Red Devils.
 
Joleon Lescott – Manchester City
Nationality: English
Shirt Number: 19
Quotes: Mark Hughes said “Joleon is arguably the best centre-half in the Premier League and can be for a number of years”

The third most expensive defender, £22 million transfer fee, is a top notch defender in premier league. The English defender played a vital role during his term with Everton. The solid defender, who reads the game well, was called ‘Mr Consistency’ at Everton. He had an amazing season 2007-08 with the Toffees scoring 8 goals and was voted Everton Player of the year.  David Moyes isn’t a happy man these days, after losing his most prized asset to Manchester City.

Brede Hangeland - Fulham
Nationality: Norwegian
Shirt Number: 5

The American Born Norwegian centre back was voted as one of the best defenders in the premier last season. The tall 6ft 5 defender has great aerial ability and composure along with physical strength and technique.  Many believe that the centre back has hugely contributed to the Fulham’s UEFA Europa league qualification. He had a great last season, which helped him to establish as a top class defender in premier league.

Ashley Cole - Chelsea
Nationality: English
Shirt Number: 3
Quotes: Frank Lampard said “We are blessed that he plays for England because if there is anyone better in the world, I don't know who he is”.

Arguably the best left back in the world has recaptured his form back and has had impressive start to the season. His consistent form and performances awarded him Chelsea Players’ Player award 2009 and the left back was awarded with a four year contract by Chelsea.  He is not just a defender but has ability to constantly provide services in the left flank. He has got the ability, pace and technique to be one of the best left backs in the Europe.

Bacary Sagna - Arsenal
Nationality: French
Shirt Number: 3

This might be a surprise inclusion, but the premier league’s best right back last season has made into our list. He is one of the most low profile football players in premier league and is one of the gems in Arsene Wenger’s Squad. The man from Auxerre was an instant success at Arsenal after the departure pf reliable Bisau Lauren. His is full of energy and works really hard on the flanks. He is quick, powerful and has technique to deliver crosses from the right flank.  

There are several top class defenders who missed from my list like Jamie Carragher, Kolo Toure, Phil Jagielka, William Gallas, Leighton Baines, Glen Johnson and many more. Who do you think is the best premier league defender?

Jigar Shah