With the back-three now very much the in vogue formation in the Premier League, we take a look at a trio of defensive options that could prove valuable to you as the season begins to get into full swing.
Joel Matip
The rangy ball-playing centre back has been the only ever-present player in the Liverpool back line during the opening fixtures, with manager Jürgen Klopp viewing Matip as the lynchpin of his defensive line.
Despite their reputation for being defensively frail, Liverpool have now kept seven clean sheets in their last nine league matches – six of which have come in the last seven outings.
Whilst the 26-year-old centre half has only managed one goal in his fledgling Liverpool career, the former Schalke netted 17 times for the Miners and might bring some of that goal-scoring form to England, having settled into the Premier League.
His injury record may be a minor concern as the season wears on, but the Cameroon international could prove to be a points machine when fit.
Matip is the only member of the Liverpool back line to feature in every game thus far
Craig Dawson
Having risen from the ranks of non-league football, Craig Dawson is now a stalwart of the West Brom back line and his a huge factor in the successful implementation of the defensively disciplined style of play implemented by Tony Pulis.
With the arrival of the PSG defensive midfielder-cum-centre back alongside the former Arsenal left back Kieran Gibbs, there is undoubtedly pedigree at the Hawthorns this year and they might just prove to be one of the surprise packages of the campaign.
Starting their season off with successive clean sheets, and having only conceded one goal thus far this season, expect Pulis’s men to maintain plenty more over the season.
Valued at just £2 million and having already amassed ten points, the Englishman could offer you real value in the months ahead.
Dawson is available for just £2.00m
Ryan Bertrand
The third member of our trio of defenders for you to consider is Southampton’s 28-year-old full back Ryan Bertrand.
With two clean sheets already to their name, the Southampton back line appears to have developed a resolute edge to it under the guidance of their new manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
Southampton also appear to have held on to the services of the Dutch centre back Virgil van Dijk for at least another transfer window, meaning their resolve as a defensive unit could yet improve further.
Known for his creativity from the full back position, Bertrand could just prove to be a stellar addition to your defensive back line when it comes to accruing attacking points for the season ahead.
The England international has been a stalwart of Pellegrino’s resolute defence
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