Premier League defenders - 2022/23 power rankings
By 90min Staff
There may have been plenty of high scoring games, but that doesn't mean there haven't been some immensely impressive defenders in the Premier League so far this season.
From those that have been rock solid at the back, to those that have dazzled at the other end of the pitch, plenty have caught the eye.
Here's 90min's ten most in-form defenders in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign...
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10. Gabriel Magalhaes (-)
Gabriel Magalhaes had arguably been Arsenal's most consistent defender this season, but things are unravelling without William Saliba next to him.
The Brazilian is clinging on for dear life in the power rankings and may be booted out if the Gunners don't tighten up fast.
9. John Stones (down 2)
John Stones' Manchester City career has seen plenty of highs, but there's also been some lows thrown in along the way - namely a watching brief as others found favour under Pep Guardiola.
But the tide has turned with Stones' ability to play at right-back, centre-back and as an auxiliary defensive midfielder - his star performances are helping push City to the title and cementing his status as one of the club's most important players.
8. Manuel Akanji (new entry)
With Nathan Ake ruled out of a number of Manchester City's games of late, Manuel Akanji has stepped into the breach on the left-hand side.
And what an admirable job the Swiss has done, looking more and more like a £15m bargain with every passing week.
7. Andy Robertson (up 2)
Liverpool aren't back to their absolute best yet and neither is Andy Robertson.
But the signs are that things are improving, with Robertson and running buddy Alexander-Arnold finding form with their deliveries into the club's multitude of attacking players.
6. Tyrone Mings (-)
The grin on Tyrone Mings' face is presumably because he's heard of his place in 90min's Premier League defender power rankings.
Richly deserved after a fine run of form for the Villans, who are knocking on the door of entry into Unai Emery's beloved Europa League.
5. Sven Botman (down 1)
Sven Botman has gotten better and better since joining Newcastle at the start of the season.
The Dutchman has dragged up the level of Fabian Schar too, and boasts the second-best defensive record in the Premier League.
4. Luke Shaw (down 2)
Luke Shaw will have been eagerly anticipating Football Manager's winter update because he's now brilliant at left-back and centre-back. What a turn of events.
3. Trent Alexander-Arnold (up 1)
Trent Alexander-Arnold's defending ability has been slated for most of the season, with Liverpool's previously inpenetrable defence wide open at times this season.
Those issues remain but Jurgen Klopp's tactical tweak - bringing TAA into an inverted role to create a midfield overload - has brought out the very best in Alexander-Arnold going forward. Passing? Majestic. Assists? Plenty.
2. Kieran Trippier (-)
Many thought we'd seen the best of Kieran Trippier when he left Tottenham in 2019, but that hasn't been the case.
The full-back has been one of Newcastle's best players in most of the matches he's played.
1. Ruben Dias (up 1)
Been wondering where Ruben Dias has been in these rankings? Yeah, you're probably not the only one.
The thing is, Manchester City's attack is so good that you often forget about those laying the foundations in defence. They don't come any better than the Portuguese.