With another thrilling Premier League season in the books, it’s time to take a look at which players made the most tackles in 2022-23.
Naturally, the goalscorers and assist-makers usually grab the headlines, but what about the unsung heroes in the engine room?
João Palhinha in his debut Premier League season:◉ Most duels won◉ Most tackles made◉ Most yellow cardsHe equalled the competition record for most bookings in a single campaign. ⚠️— Squawka (@Squawka) May 29, 2023
João Palhinha in his debut Premier League season:◉ Most duels won◉ Most tackles made◉ Most yellow cardsHe equalled the competition record for most bookings in a single campaign. ⚠️
When Joao Palhinha joined Fulham from Sporting Lisbon last summer, few could have predicted the impact that he would make. Remarkably, the Portuguese defensive midfielder made 47 tackles more than his nearest challenger.
Having racked up 147 tackles across 35 appearances, Palhinha averaged 4.2 tackles per game in 2022-23. It’s no wonder that a number of elite clubs are reportedly interested in singing the 27-year-old.
Coming in at number two is Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, who notched 100 tackles in 37 outings, meaning he averaged 2.7 tackles per game.
Like Palhinha, Caicedo is expected to make a big-money move this summer. Arsenal tried to sign the 21-year-old Ecuadorian during the January transfer window but were unsuccessful, so clubs will need to fork out a sizeable fee to snap him up.
Idrissa Gueye played a key role in Everton’s survival push in 2022-23, chalking up 97 tackles in 33 appearances. Averaging 2.9 tackles per game, the hardworking Senegal international is pivotal to the Toffees.
Given that Gueye contributed no goals and one assist all season, it is easy to understand his role in the team. He may be 33, but the experienced midfielder still has a lot to offer.
Sadly, Tyler Adams failed to make the same impact as Gueye, as Adams’ Leeds United were relegated on the final day of the Premier League season, finishing second from bottom and five points from safety.
Even so, the United States captain finished joint-fifth on the Premier League tackles leaderboard, racking up 89 tackles in only 24 games. That means Adams finished the season with an impressive tackles-per-game average 3.7.
Casemiro joins Adams on this list having also achieved 89 tackles in 2022-23. However, the Manchester United man played four games more than Adams, meaning he registered a tackles-per-game average of 3.2.
Many believed that Casemiro was past his best when left Real Madrid last summer, but the gifted Brazilian proved his doubters wrong in style, instantly becoming one of Man Utd’s most important players.