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Friday 2 August 2013

Top 10: Overrated Premier League Defenders

I've decided to make a list of the Premier League's most overrated defenders.

This list includes both centre-backs and full-backs. 

10. Per Mertesacker

Although Per Mertesacker had his ups and downs last season he's always somewhat of a risky pick. Last season Mertesacker looked really shaky at times and his incredible lack of pace will always be a weakness opposite teams can use to their advantage.

Despite starting the season badly for Arsenal, the German ended last season on a positive note putting on some classy performances, showing he can make up for his lack of pace, but in my opinion it's something that can always get him into trouble.

9. Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson is a great example of a player, that's really, really inconsistent. Constantly playing out of your own position will get your team in trouble, and that's something Johnson does far too often.

8. Younes Kaboul

Tottenham paid around €10m for Younes Kaboul in 2010 and, in my opinion, that's one of the most ridiculous signings Tottenham have ever made.

After spending two decent years at Portsmouth, Kaboul made a return to Tottenham playing 33 games in his first season where his performances were constantly being criticised and he simply failed to deliver what was expected of him.

7. Kyle Walker

If it weren't for Kyle Walker's pace, I really doubt he would be a starter in the Tottenham team. The Englishman had a decent season for Tottenham last year, but has yet to prove he has got what it takes to be England's number one choice for the right-back spot.

Defensively I think Walker has much to learn, and he made a few crucial errors last season, costing Tottenham points in the League. Walker was handed the PFA Young Player of the Year award last season, and it seems he is really highly-rated by some people.

6. Joleon Lescott

Lescott has struggled to prove his worth at Manchester City after joining the club from Everton. Even though City have started to play with three centre-backs, Lescott has been overshadowed by the teenager Matija Nastasic. 

5. David Luiz

The Brazilian defender has proved many times he might not be cut out for the Premier League. When playing in the centre-back role, Luiz is just uncontrollable at times, losing possession of the ball far too often.

Although Luiz has adapted well to the defensive-midfield role at Chelsea, he's too much of a risk when playing as a centre-back.

4. Martin Skrtel

Martin Skrtel's performances last season have underlined how highly overrated he is. Being pushed out of the squad by veteran Jamie Carragher, Skrtel should not be Liverpool's number one centre-back.

After making series of mistakes last season he lost his spot to Carragher, who proved to be much more of a fit playing alongside Daniel Agger.

3. Phil Bardsley

This is something I have been wondering for years now: why is Phil Bardsley still playing in the Premier League?

Bardsley has managed 148 league appearances for Sunderland since joining them in 2008. How a player like Bardsley can play nearly 150 games in the Premier League is something I can't explain. 

2. Benoit Assou-Ekotto

Although Assou-Ekotto has been improving at Tottenham for the last two seasons, I'm fully convinced Tottenham will need a better left-back if they are to compete for the Premier League title.

Since joining Tottenham, Assou-Ekotto has been harshly criticised for his performances on the pitch and his attitude towards football. 

1. Gael Clichy

This might be highly controversial, but in my opinion Gael Clichy is the most overrated player in the Premier League.

Clichy has been a regular at Manchester City since joining them from Arsenal. Compared to what City are paying him, he is nowhere near that standard and has never been a consistent performer.

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