As the summer transfer window continues, each of the clubs in the Premier League that finished in the top four last season have done a good deal of business.
Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea have roped in multiple attacking players to bolster their offence.
However, the signings of two full-backs by Liverpool and a couple of holding midfielders by Arsenal have not generated much interest among the media. As things could very well turn out, defensive acumen might decide the title race ultimately.
Do Arsenal and Liverpool Have the Best Defence in the Premier League?
Both Arsenal and Liverpool have solid backlines, coupled with competent defensive midfielders.
Arsenal let in 34 goals in 38 matches in the league last season, which was the lowest tally. Liverpool followed with 41 goals conceded.
The Gunners have a wonderful centre-back duo of Gabriel and William Saliba, who are probably the best defensive pair the league has got at the moment.
They have also roped in Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as two holding midfielders, both of whom should help them hold their ground against opposition attacks.
With Declan Rice already there, Norgaard might not be able to make it to Arsenal’s starting XI on a regular basis. Arsenal also have Ben White and Jakub Kiwior as their full-backs, both of whom are experienced enough.
Liverpool have the redoubtable Virgil van Dijk marshalling their defence with more than 300 appearances already for the club. Van Dijk has played a key role in the Reds winning two Premier League and a UEFA Champions League title during his tenure at the club.
Arne Slot’s team has not yet been able to get a replacement for Quansah, with talks with Marc Guehi not coming through.
With Jarrel Quansah leaving Liverpool, van Dijk will look forward to partnering Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the Reds’ defence.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch should play in a double-pivot, with the newly recruited full-backs providing some defensive support.
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Can Manchester City and Chelsea up Their Game?
As one turns one’s attention to Manchester City, one finds that the return of Rodri, the player the Cityzens sorely missed for a good part of last season, is going to bolster their defence.
With the likes of Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji and Josko Gvardiol already there in the defence, Rodri and Tijjani Reijnders, a new signing, should be able to provide enough steel to Manchester City’s defence.
Pep Guardiola’s men have often shown a tendency to be vulnerable against counterattacks, and it is not something that they can afford to do in the upcoming season as well.
The Royal Blues, meanwhile, have a relatively inexperienced backline, with right-back Reece James being the senior player in it. There are the likes of Malo Gusto, Marc Cucurella, Tosin, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill, almost all of whom are quite young.
Chelsea, however, have a strong defensive midfielder in Moises Caicedo, who can be quite a handful with his tackles and ability to anticipate danger.
Chelsea have roped in a number of exciting young attackers, but if they are to seriously fight for the title, their defenders will have to play well.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Picture Point LE
Recording Date: 23.10.2024