The Champions League’s top tacklers

PSG

Top defensive players are often overshadowed by goal scorers, but this article ranks the Champions League’s top tacklers from throughout this season’s competition. 

We have also noted the stats for their tackles won, balls recovered and clearances, so you can see how effective they are in all aspects of defence. 

These defenders and defensive midfielders will no doubt be sought after in the summer after their impressive displays in European football. 

 

1. Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

 

Played: 5

Tackles: 35

Tackles won: 18

Balls recovered: 22

Clearances: 4

 

Marco Verratti is often seen as an excellent player with a bit of a hot-temper, but perhaps that makes him the player he is, as he has made more tackles in the Champions League than any other player so far, with 35 challenges made in five games. 

The Italian has been heavily linked with a move away from Le Parcs de Princes in the summer, with Juventus and Manchester United reportedly interested. 

After another Champions League disappointment with PSG, could we see the Euro winner move elsewhere next season? 

 

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2. Joao Palhinha (Sporting Lisbon)

 

Played: 6

Tackles: 29

Tackles won: 11

Balls recovered: 36

Clearances: 6

 

Joao Palhinha has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, and this is perhaps unsurprising given his excellent defensive record and United’s lack of a solid number six. 

In just six games in the Champions League, he has made 29 tackles and recovered the ball 36 times, and at the age of 26 the Portuguese midfielder still has time to improve.

With him out of contract in the Summer, could Palhinha be heading to United? 

 

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3. Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol)

 

Played: 6

Tackles: 26

Tackles won: 7

Balls recovered: 27

Clearances: 10

 

Sheriff Tiraspol narrowly missed out on the knockout stages of the Champions League, despite heroically beating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu 2-1 in September. 

But, some of their players have certainly made a name for themselves and one of them is defensive midfielder Edmund Addo, who has made the third most tackles in the Champions League this season. 

Abbo openly expressed his desire to join Manchester United in September, and while the jump from the Moldovan National Division to the Premier League is quite a big one, if he keeps up his good form… you never know!

 

4. Benjamin Andre (Lille)

 

Played: 7

Tackles: 24

Tackles won: 12

Balls recovered: 49

Clearances: 11

 

Lille have had a disappointing season in Ligue 1, reaching nowhere near the heights of their previous title-winning campaign, and their Champions League form wasn’t too different, getting knocked out by Chelsea in the Round of 16. 

But, one player that does deserve some plaudits is defensive midfielder Benjamin Andre, who made solid performances for Lille, especially in the group stages. 

Liverpool reportedly made a £15m bid to sign the Frenchman in 2017, could we see another big team make a move for him in the Summer? 

 

5. Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica)

 

Played: 7

Tackles: 23

Tackles won: 14

Balls recovered: 48

Clearances: 33

 

The only player in this list whose team is still in the Champions League is Benfica centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, who has made 23 tackles in seven games for the Portuguese side.

The former Manchester City player has a tough yet familiar opponent in Liverpool, so it will be interesting to see how he fairs against the likes of Salah, Mane, Firmino and Jota over the two legs. 

He will have to be in top form to help Benfica see off the Reds.