Bacary Sagna (Arsenal)
By his own admission, the Frenchman is not enjoying his finest campaign and continues to struggle with fitness after a double leg-break last season. But Sagna is still Arsenal’s most assured defender and is capable of counter-attacking at speed. The inconsistent and error-prone Kyle Walker misses out.
Michael Dawson (Tottenham)
It’s strange to think that AVB nearly flogged ‘Daws’ to QPR for £8m in the summer. The chirpy chappy has now firmly established himself as Tottenham’s first choice centre-half and, although he has struggled with the aforementioned high line, he adds valued brawn and leadership to Spurs back four.
William Gallas (Tottenham)
The veteran is not everyone’s cup of tea and his reguar inclusion in the heart of Spurs defence early in the season was a source of great annoyance to sections of the White Hart Lane faithful. But, the odd mis-kick aside, Spurs look more assured with the Frenchman in the line-up and his experience has been crucial in the development of youngsters like Kyle Naughton and Steven Caulker.
Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham)
Nacho Monreal has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates and the Spaniard is unlucky to miss out to Spurs’ Belgian Vertonghen. The former Ajax man is a centre-half by trade but has looked accomplished and assured at left-back and isn’t against a roaming run down the flank. With Gareth Bale now playing more centrally, we could see more of Vertonghen at left-back as the season reaches a climax.
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