Players were assessed on a weighted scoring model which considers attacking threat (20% weight), ball playing (40% weight), and defending (40% weight – includes aerial ability), by analysing over 20 different per 90-minute performance metrics.
To improve the accuracy of the results possession adjusted statistics were used for defensive stats – these give a more accurate representation of a players defensive output by accounting for team possession.
To avoid bias towards centre-backs who spend a lot of time on the ball, stats such as progressive passes and carries were adjusted per 100 live-ball touches to provide a truer account of a player’s use of the ball.
A pair of Brighton & Hove Albion defenders have been named amongst the league's shining defensive lights.
You can see where they rank in BetVictor's standings in the gallery below.
9. Adam Webster
Adam Webster ranks ninth. The 27-year-old has scored two goals and won 74.6% of his aerial duels. He has also taken 9.92 ball progressing actions per 100 live-ball touches and has been forced into 15.35 possession adjusted defensive actions per 90 minutes this season Photo: Mark Thompson/Getty Images
10. César Azpilicueta
César Azpilicueta ranks tenth. The Spaniard has scored one goal and won 60.3% of his aerial duels. He has also taken 12.34 ball progressing actions per 100 live-ball touches and has been forced into 15.80 possession adjusted defensive actions per 90 minutes this season Photo: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
11. Trevor Chalobah
Trevor Chalobah ranks 11th. The Chelsea defender has scored three goals and won 58.5% of his aerial duels. He has also taken 7.96 ball progressing actions per 100 live-ball touches and has been forced into 16.26 possession adjusted defensive actions per 90 minutes this season Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
12. Shane Duffy
Shane Duffy ranks 12th. The Irish defender ranked second for both possession adjusted clearances with 6.36 and possession adjusted aerials won with 5.66 per 90 minutes Photo: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images