5 defenders with the most goal contributions in the Premier League in the 2021-22 season
Five Premier League defenders who have contributed the most to the offensive side of the game this season include the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold, Jao Cancelo, and Andy Robertson.
A defender’s primary job is normally to defend the opposition attackers from scoring. However, that is not the case anymore, Defenders primarily the Full backs are required to contribute to the attack without neglecting their job defensively.
With the new High Pressing and Back Five formation being played around Europe, Defenders are allowed to push forward with cover provided by Defensive and Central midfielders. With Premier League being the most entertaining league all around the world, Here we take a look at Five defenders who have the most goal contributions this season in the Premier League:
5. Matt Doherty – 6 Goal involvements
Matt Doherty’s career looked on a downward trajectory since his move from Wolves to Tottenham Hotspurs. The then Spurs boss Jose Mourinho signed him for his back four formations which clearly did not suit his gameplay and was quickly down the pecking order. Nuno Esperito Santo did not rate him much and looked like he would be eventually sold at a loss.
But that all has changed since the arrival of Antonio Conte who has used him both as left as well as a right wing-back. Conte’s famous back three approaches have got the best of Matt Doherty this season offensively at least.
He has Six goal contributions i.e two goals and four assists which is the same as Matty Cash and Ruben Dias have managed but since Doherty has started just 15 games all season, he gets the nod ahead of them.
4. Joao Cancelo – 8 goal involvements
Joao Cancelo has had to be left-back this season with Benjamin Mendy being suspended and Zinchenko being not fully trusted by Pep Guardiola. Cancelo also had stiff competition from Kyle Walker at right-back and would share minutes with him but this season he has made the left-back space his own.
He has always been great offensively and been involved in buildup play more often than other fullbacks, this has helped him contribute eight goals with one thunder strike and seven assists registered this season.
3. Andy Robertson – 12 goal involvements
Since making the left side of Liverpool’s defense his own, Andy Robertson has been in the top five defenders in goal contributions every season. Andrew Robertson is probably one of the best bargains of the last decade when Liverpool had acquired him from Hull City on a meager transfer fee of £7 million
Andy Robertson has twelve goal involvements with two goals and ten being assists in 28 starts.
Liverpool plays high-intensity football with their fullbacks being the main source of creativity and midfielders protect the space behind them while attacking. This means their full-backs are more involved in attacking spells than the other teams’ defenders. Expect the other half of the famous duo to make the list shortly.
2. Reece James – 13 goal involvements
Reece James recently returned from injury in some style with a contribution to the offense straightaway. The Chelsea academy graduate has been one of the best performers for Chelsea this season. He has looked defensively robust at the back and lethal when he joins the attack.
James has the highest number of goals among all the names on this list, with five of them in the Premier League. He has also contributed with eight assists, bringing his goal involvement total to 13. The numbers might have been even higher if it had not been for an injury.
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 14 goal involvements
The other half of Liverpool’s deadly duo, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been arguably the best right-back in the world. An academy product, Alexander-Arnold has not looked back since making his debut for the senior Reds team.
Alexander-Arnold is the epitome of a world-class offensive wingback. He has a stunning ability to find his fellow attackers in the opposition box with a cross. His ability in a dead-ball situation further showcases his technical expertise.
In 31 appearances this season, Alexander-Arnold has the highest goal involvement among defenders in the Premier League. He has hit double digits in assists which is twelve this season.
Sujeeth Shetty
(766 Articles Published)