The role of defenders in a football team is as vital as that of the strikers; the defensive department makes sure that the team is shielded and made immune to attacks and threats from the opponents while the striking role is responsible solely for putting the ball into the back of the net.
But sadly, the strikers get more praise and fame in every team while the efforts of the defenders are partly underappreciated. However, at a time like this where there’s an apparent paucity of solid defenders, its pertinent that the crop of defenders gracing the football scene at this point is given some commendations.
Using the numbers of clean sheets recorded so far this season as the benchmark, Cheapgoals in this feature piece takes a critical look at some outstanding defensive clubs performances all across Europe this season.
Getafe (Spain) – 15 Clean sheets
The Spanish side currently sits on the 4th position in Laliga and is also a major contender in the Europa League. Across all competition, this season, a total of 34 matches has been played and they’ve accumulated 15 clean sheets; conceding an average of 1.73 goals in the 34 matches with the help of their two goalkeepers and defenders.
Real Madrid (Spain) – 15 Clean sheets
Real Madrid recently humbled Barcelona at the Bernabeau by not conceding; that took their number of clean sheets to 12 in Laliga and 15 in all competitions. Averaging a total of 1.98 goals conceded.
All thanks to Thibaut Courtois’ heroics in the first couple of games in the Laliga this season.
Sevilla (Spain) – 16 Clean sheets
Interestingly, another Spanish side makes the cut with 16 clean sheets and 35 goals conceded in all competitions – No doubt, Julen Lopetegui seems to be making this side a threat for the giants in Laliga and Europe to some extent. Also, their scoring statistics are one to cheer and commend them about.
Atletico Madrid (Spain) – 16 Clean sheets
The Rojiblancos making this list is no surprise as they apparently are an ultra-defensive side. Atletico has conceded 19 (making them the team with lowest goals conceded in Laliga) times in 26 matches this season and 28 goals in 37 fixtures across all competition.
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The secret behind Atletico’s massive record of not conceding many goals over the years has been their resolute defense, so more so that after the exodus of experienced defenders like Diego Godin, Juanfran and Felipe Luis, they have remained one of the top best defensive clubs in Europe this season. Also, kudos must be given to Jan Oblak whose career clean sheet is far more than his appearance.
Liverpool (England) – 16 Clean sheets
One of many secrets of Liverpool this season is the number of clean sheets they’ve recorded at some point in the EPL this season; Alisson Becker sometimes this season in the EPL played for 1000+ minutes without conceding a goal (a record of Pepe Reina that was broken by the Brazilian).
In every competition this season, they’ve amassed 16 clean sheets altogether and there’s every possibility that it will get increased before the end of the season – Little wonder they’re top of the EPL table.
Manchester United (England) – 18 Clean sheets
Surprisingly, Manchester United in one way or the other has gotten a mention in this list. This definitely is a pointer to the fact that the presence of England international (Harry Maguire) has made The Red Devils more resolute defensively.
Also, United’s defense in the EPL has faced a whopping number of 111 shots on target with David De Gea making 79 saves in those shots conceded. Sergio Romero who happens to be the second choice also has made 20 saves out of 23 shots faced. It’s absolutely an element of surprise the Manchester side has had over its fans.
Paris St-Germain (France) – 23 Clean sheets
Here come the best teams defensively in Europe this season. 29 clean sheets from 49 matches is absolutely a laudable feat for the French giants.
The collective efforts of Keylor Navas, Alphonso Areola, and Sergio Rico have given the Les Parisians their best season with an outstanding defensive record. Also, it must be stated that they didn’t give room for attacks from their opponents or their quality has been unmatchable for every opponent they’ve faced.
