As the English Premier League pauses for a two-week winter break, it’s time to take a look at the players who have made the most interceptions this season.
Interestingly, two of the top three players represent Southampton. Aston Villa and Brentford stars complete the top five, with a West Ham midfielder coming out on top.
Declan Rice has made more interceptions than any other Premier League player this term. The England international has racked up 67 in total, meaning he averages just over three interceptions per game.
This is the highest figure for any player in the Premier League, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A or Ligue 1 so far this season.What. A. Player. 🤩📈 @OptaJoe pic.twitter.com/BK24bGPJaC— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 21, 2022
This is the highest figure for any player in the Premier League, the Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A or Ligue 1 so far this season.What. A. Player. 🤩📈 @OptaJoe pic.twitter.com/BK24bGPJaC
Rice is among the most valuable midfielders in the Premier League and is destined to move to an elite club before too long.
Mohammed Saliu has been something of a revelation for Southampton this season. Having made 62 interceptions in 21 Premier League appearances, he averages just under three inceptions per match.
The Ghanaian defender produced a man-of-the-match performance as Saints held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw last time out, helping his side to end City’s 12-game winning streak in the league.
Just like Salisu, Livramento has starred for Southampton following his move from Chelsea – so much so that he finds himself third on the Premier League’s interceptions leaderboard.
Despite missing Saints’ past five games through injury, he has made 55 interceptions in 18 outings this term. That means he averages more than three interceptions per game.
Matty Cash has started all of Aston Villa’s 21 Premier League matches this season, registering 54 interceptions along the way.
Not only is the former Nottingham Forest right-back a solid defender, but he is also good going forward. With Steven Gerrard now at Villa Park, Cash’s discipline is only going to improve.
Having chalked up the same number of interceptions as Cash, only three players have made more interceptions than Brentford’s Christian Norgaard this term.
The hardworking Danish midfielder has featured in all but one of the Bees’ 23 league matches this season. He has chipped in with a goal and two assists, too, underlining his importance to the team.