Top five defenders in international women's hockey in 2022

Some of these players are not only solid at the back, but also prolific goalscorers.

When it comes to popularity in hockey, the striker or goalscorer is always remembered. They are the ones who get the attention of the majority. However, defenders don't get to enjoy such a luxury. The work of a defender keeps on being underappreciated by the fans. Here is a list of the five best defenders in international women's hockey in 2022.

5. Madison Fitzpatrick (Australia)

Madison Fitzpatrick comes from a family of hockey players. So, it is no surprise that she took the sport up professionally. She is currently one of the most successful defenders in women's hockey. She started her career in the senior team in 2015 and has been a regular in the squad since then.

The 25-year-old has represented her nation in 85 matches. She holds a gold in the Oceania Cup, a silver in the Champions Trophy and another silver in the FIH Pro League. Moreover, she has scored 18 goals for Australia .She was also part of the Hockeyroos squad at the Tokyo Olympics.

4. Hollie Pearne-Webb (Great Britain)

England's Hollie Pearne-Webb is one of the most experienced defenders in international women's hockey at the moment. She is also the captain of the Great Britain side. Hollie has proudly represented her country in more than 200 matches. Though the GB defence has been laclustre in the FIH Women's Pro League so far, Pearne-Webb's performances have been impressive.

She is a two-time Olympic medalist, the most recent being the bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with Great Britain. She not only defended her side ably but also scored a crucial goal in the bronze medal match against India.

3. Margot van Geffen (Netherlands)

Margot van Geffen is a three-time medalist at the Olympics. Infact, she won these medals in three consecutive years with the Netherlands.

She started off with a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a silver at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The 32-year-old then went onto add another gold to her name at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Infact, she was an important part of the Netherlands' defence that was the best of the tournament, conceding just two goals. Moreover, she also scored an important goal against Argentina in the final.

2. Gurjit Kaur (India)

Gurjit Kaur is not just one of the best defenders in women's hockey, but also a drag-flick specialist. The 26-year-old has made 106 appearances for India and scored 76 goals. This is a staggering feat for a defender. Gurjit is currently the second-highest scorer in the ongoing FIH Women's Pro League with three goals.

As a pure defender, Gurjit is equally good. She provides the first line of defence in front of goalkeeper Savita Punia. Gurjit has won gold medals at the Asia Cup and South Asian Games. She also holds a silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games. Infact, she was also a crucial part of the Indian team that earned a historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics.

1. Agustina Gorzelany (Argentina)

Argentina's Agustina Gorzelany is a headache for both forwards and defenders alike. On one hand she fends off the opposition attack effortlessly, while on the other she beats defenders and keepers with her fiery flicks.

Gorzelany has won multiple honours for her nation. She has won gold medals at the Pan American Cup and South American Games and silver medals at the Champions Trophy and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She also finished as the joint-top scorer at the Tokyo Olympics, with four goals. Gorzelany is currently the leading goalscorer at the ongoing FIH Women's Pro League, with five goals.

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