Who are the best 1v1 defenders in Premier League 2022-23?

These players lay the foundations for their club’s success

Even though there have been many high-scoring matches this season in the Premier League, there have also been several defenders who have been very excellent. Numerous players have struck the eye, ranging from those who have been rock solid at the back to those who have dazzled at the other end of the ball.

Here are the top nine best 1v1 defenders in Premier League 2022-23 (Stats via VisualGame/Twitter):

9. Thiago Silva: 75%

Silva is regarded by his contemporaries and detractors alike as a complete defender. He has been praised for being a reliable, faultless defender who can captain any defence. Despite being 38 years old, he has continued to be one of Chelsea's finest defenders this season.

He makes everything seem effortless because of his exceptional ball-handling skills. In one-on-one situations, he has proven an unstoppable defender.

8. Ashely Young: 75%

Although primarily a winger, Young was utilised in a number of forward positions, including under Boothroyd at Watford and once under Van Gaal at Manchester United, in addition to playing in a free role beyond the striker at Aston Villa.

He has improved as a fullback since joining Aston Villa under Unai Emery, and he is one of the defenders that are challenging to defeat in 1v1 situations.

7. Ezri Konsa: 76.2%

One of the most outstanding players for Aston Villa has been the English defender, who has stood firm for them and shielded their goal from incoming threats.

At the back, Konsa and Tyrone Mings made an outstanding defensive pairing that has enabled Villa to hold onto the third-best defensive record among those outside the top four. He consistently risks his life and clears the ball 4.4 times each game.

6. Reece James: 77.8%

This season, James has missed more matches than he has participated in. That has proved an issue for Chelsea, who have had trouble absent him and only won six times in 24 games. However, the fact that he still ranks among the defenders who have been least successful at dribbling past opponents this season shows how great he has been in those fewer games.

5. Kenny Tete: 77.8%

One of the biggest surprises in the EPL has been Kenny Tete. The most dependable defender for Fulham has been the Dutchman. Tete, a right-back player, has excelled. He has prevailed in fights, fouls, and crosses. The Athletic claims that Kenny Tete is among the top competitors in one-on-one contests. He has had success containing the dribbles of the opposition. He has also demonstrated superior skill in ground combat.

4. Antonee Robinson: 79.5%

Robinson has played a total of 2189 minutes in 25 Premier League games this season. Every 90 minutes that Antonee Robinson is on the pitch, he gives up an average of 1.07 goals. At the moment, their Clean Sheets ratio is 32%.

As a result, every 85 minutes while Robinson is present on the pitch, his side gives up a goal. In addition, he has made 1.66 clearances and 1.42 recoveries.

3. Luke Shaw: 80%

One of his major criticisms was the full-back's lack of attacking zeal, but he's now managed to incorporate it into his style of play. Shaw has proven to be dependable in defence and was perhaps the greatest attack-oriented full-back in the 2020–21 season.

Throughout their league season, the 26-year-old continuously bombed down the wing and gave their assault a new angle. On the left side, Shaw also developed a strong rapport with Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire, with whom he was able to operate effectively in tandem.

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2. William Saliba: 83.3%

During the 2022–2023 Premier League season, William Saliba played in 27 games and allowed 25 goals while recording 12 clean sheets. So, for every 97 minutes, Saliba was on the pitch, his side gave up a goal. For every 90 minutes he spent on the pitch, he made 1.27 tackles and 0.71 interceptions. At the same time, Saliba is clearing roughly 3.05 times.

He has played in 27 games thus far in the Premier League 2022-2023 season, accruing 4 yellow cards and 0 red cards. He fouls out 0.71 times every 90 minutes.

1. Aron Wan-Bissaka: 93.8%

With the Dutch manager choosing to sign an aggressive full-back who is more at ease with having the ball at their feet than the former Crystal Palace player, Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future at the club appeared to be in doubt.

Wan-Bissaka, though, has truly come into his own since the World Cup and displayed the type of form that compelled United to spend £45 million for his assets three seasons ago. Aaron Wan-Bissaka among Manchester United has only been dribbled through once so far this season and has the best 1v1 victory rate of any Premier League defender.