CB: Toby Alderweireld vs. Nicolas Otamendi
A contest that was also difficult to judge due to the Tottenham man’s series of nicks and knocks that kept him out for a few weeks, the battle between Toby Alderweireld and Nicolas Otamendi was a tight one. Alderweireld has appeared in 13 Premier League contests compared to 17 for Otamendi, and the numbers show Otamendi has improved drastically in a return to form. Completing 86%
Completing 86% of his passes, the Manchester City defender has won over 58% of his total duels, recorded 52 (!) interceptions, and won 33 tackles while making just a single defensive error. Though he was considered shaky once the Citizens lost their 100% record, the Argentinian has impressed in recent fixtures.
Alderweireld’s numbers are close in pass completion (85%), but he has won just over 50% of his total duels, recorded just 12 interceptions and won just 14 tackles in only four fewer games. While Alderweireld has a more reliable partner in Jan Vertonghen compared to Otamendi with Stones in a back four, his output should still be at least slightly higher.
All things considered, between these two it’s Nicolas Otamendi getting the nod.
Selection: Nicolas Otamendi