The start of the new season is edging ever closer and all eyes will be on the
English Premier League (EPL) which boasts some of the best defenders in modern football.
Betway takes a look at defenders who look set to be rock solid in the upcoming 2017/18 campaign.
Laurent Koscielny
The experienced central defender has been widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the EPL in the last four years. The 31-year-old defender, who is known for being dependable and solid, was instrumental as Gunners went all the way to win the 2016/17 FA Cup as the team vice-captain. The French international will be amongst Arsenal's key players as they look to clinch the 2017/18 EPL title.
Tony Alderweireld
The 28-year-old center back was one of the reasons why Tottenham Hotspur had the best defensive record in the EPL last season. The Belgian defender was impressive in the heart of the Spurs defence which 26 conceded goals from 38 EPL matches - in his second season with the club. The hard-working player will be looking to continue proving that he is amongst the best EPL defenders in the new campaign.
Eric Bailly
The Ivory Coast international hit the ground running after joining Manchester United from Spanish side Villarreal prior to the 2016/17 season. The central defender, who featured in 25 EPL matches - making 60 tackles and 61 interceptions, played an important role as the Red Devils reached the UEFA Europa League final which he missed due to suspension. The 23-year-old player will be eager to prove that he is not a one season wonder during the 2017/18 campaign.
Hector Bellerin
The exciting Spanish full-back is rated amongst the best right-backs in the EPL and he remains a key defender for Arsenal. The 22-year-old defender, who has been consistently linked with European and Spanish giants FC Barcelona, is supremely quick, attack-minded and also enjoys defending. If Arsenal manage to retain his services ahead of the 2017/18 season, it will surely boost their chances of mounting a serious challenge for EPL title.
Danny Rose
The 27-year-old full-back has established himself as one of the top left-backs in the EPL in the last few seasons. The Tottenham Hotspur defender, who was part of the Lilywhites defence which conceded the least number of goals in the league last season, is blessed with pace and dribbling ability of an elite left-back. The England international made only 18 EPL appearances thanks to a serious knee injury he suffered during the campaign and he will be hoping to stay injury free in the new season.
Kyle Walker
The lively defender is arguably EPL's best right-back and Manchester City made him the most expensive English full-back in history when they recently paid £50 million for his services from Tottenham Hotspur. The 27-year-old player proved to be a reliable full-back and a threat going forward for Spurs down the years. The England international, who made 72 tackles in 33 EPL games, had 60 touches in the opposition box last season and will be out to prove that he is worth his hefty price tag in his first season with City.
Michael Keane
The no-nonsense central defender made Manchester United regret selling him to Burnley with his excellent displays in the latter's defence last season. The 24-year-old player, was sold to Burnley by United prior to the 2016/17 campaign, is quick, strong and good on the ball. The England international has been on the move once again - joining Everton from Burnely in a big money move and he is expected to continue developing into a world class defender at the Liverpool-based side.
David Luiz
The experienced Brazil international proved to be one of the most improved players in the EPL last season as he excelled in the Chelsea backline. The defender-cum-midfielder, who managed to cut out errors in his game, is a threat from free-kicks thanks to his great technical ability when bending a set-piece. The 30-year-old player will be amongst the Blues' key players if they are to defend their EPL title during the 2017/18 season.
Antonio Valencia
The Manchester United utility man transformed into one of the top full-backs in the EPL following the arrival of coach Jose Mourinho prior to the 2016/17 season. The Ecuador international, who has incredible strength and stamina, improved defensively last season as part of the United defence which conceded only 29 goals in 38 EPL matches. The 31-year-old right-back-cum-winger will be keen to continue dishing out consistent displays for United during the 2017/18 campaign.
Virgil Van Dyk
The Dutch international is coming off his breakthrough season which saw him establish himself as one of the best central defenders in the EPL. The Southampton captain, who is subject to enormous £60million bid from Liverpool, caught the eye of the biggest clubs in the EPL with his commanding performances in the heart of the Saints defence last season. It remains to seen whether Southampton will be able to retain the services of their most prized asset ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
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