EPL: Top 20 Number 2’s Countdown
11 – Fabricio Coloccini – Newcastle United
Coloccini is a bit of a mystery, so not too dissimilar to Newcastle as a whole. He has had some stand out seasons for the Magpies, but then can throw in a run of form where it looks like he has never played the sport before. He is no doubt crucial for Newcastle and is a leader on the pitch and in the eyes of the fans. I just can’t help feel he is a little inactive and passive when things are going wrong, which happens to be a lot when it comes to Newcastle.
10 – Andre Wisdom – West Bromwich Albion (on loan from Liverpool)
Andre Wisdom is only 21 yet possesses the physical attributes of someone at the peak of their condition. I think he would be a future England defender were it not for the sudden depth of young talent in that position that has emerged. He has pace and strength and seems to be learning an understanding of the game which Glen Johnson has never really managed. He could return to Liverpool to displace Johnson and Manquillo at right back, although the fact the he has been sent out on loan might suggest Brendan Rodgers doesn’t intend to keep him.
9 – Phillip Bardsley – Stoke City
Phil Bardsley is your classic English right back who happens to be playing for a side in the EPL, although his attitude remains that of a player fighting for their local pub team. Starting out in the Manchester United youth system, he made his name at Sunderland as a committed right back who had clearly learnt a lot from his time watching Gary Neville at United. Having moved to Stoke, he will look to put in a similar level of performance and influence that has seen him impact games more than the average right back. What he lacks in talent he makes up for in drive and determination.
8 – Jordi Amat – Swansea City
Jordi Amat comes in 8th despite not playing an EPL game this season. The big factor here is that he looked accomplished during his first season in the EPL with Swansea, despite being only 21. Swansea keep unearthing these gems in the transfer market and Amat could be a long term solution to their centre back position. With Neil Taylor on the left flank and Ashley Williams alongside him in the middle, Amat could grow into a great EPL defender.