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Premier league 2016-17 awards: 5 best center-backs

By Ty Finch

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Gary Cahill of Chelsea celebrates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on April 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 25: Gary Cahill of Chelsea celebrates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on April 25, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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As the old, clichéd saying goes, defense wins championships. No one knows that better than the clubs of these five center-backs.

There are two main systems that clubs around the world play. Traditionally, in England at least, managers set up their defense in a back four, with two outside backs and two central defenders. But the back three has become increasingly popular this season, thanks in large part to Chelsea’s success with the formation.

The emergence of the back three has made evaluating center-backs a little more complicated, given the subtly roles in different systems. What has not changed, however, is the main responsibility of the defenders: to stop opposing attackers. These five central defenders have been the best in the Premier League in 2016-17.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on April 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Laurent Koscielny of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leicester City at Emirates Stadium on April 26, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

5. Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal

Arsenal have been in shambles for most of the second half of the season. Most notably, their defense has given up 40 goals this season, tied for the highest total of the top six teams. However, playing defense is a team effort, and just one defender can only do so much.

Laurent Koscielny has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League for nearly four straight seasons. While this particular one has been tough at times, Koscielny still shines for Arsenal in the back. Gelling with a new, expensive center-back in Shkodran Mustafi has been more of a burden than originally thought, but the pair has potential to be the best in the league.

Koscielny averages 3.7 aerial duels won per game, which is top 20 in the league according to WhoScored. What makes that number even more impressive is the fact that he’s second in the league in interceptions. In addition, he’s missed a chunk of time due to injury that caused those stats to decrease, and only has tallied three yellow cards on the year. Even with the turmoil surrounding Arsene Wenger and Arsenal this season, Koscielny has been a rock at the back. He looks to be an even bigger reason should Arsenal make a comeback next year.

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