Shay Given
Arguably one of the most astute signings by deposed Manchester City manager Mark Hughes. Given is an outstanding talent whose shot-stopping abilities and reflexes are second to none. Blunders by the former Newcastle No.1 are few and far between, all he needs now is a solid defence in front of him.
Benoit Assou-Ekotto
Assou-Ekotto has made the left-back berth with Tottenham his own with a series of assured displays under Harry Redknapp. Helped the White Hart Lane club recover from a dismal start to finish eighth last term and is an integral part of the Spurs side which is now challenging for a top-four finish.
Nemanja Vidic
Vidic was the rock at the heart of United's defence last season as they overhauled Liverpool in the New Year to claim the title. Typically imposing again this season and his occasional absences through injury have been keenly felt by the champions in the midst of their current defensive crisis.
John Terry
Terry leads by example for club and country, lifting the FA Cup with Chelsea in May and then helping England secure their place at the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer. The Blues will celebrate Christmas at the top of the Premier League thanks in no small part to their excellent defence.
Stephen Carr
Carr was not even playing at the start of 2009, before Birmingham boss Alex McLeish tempted the former Republic of Ireland international out of retirement. The gritty full-back went on to help the Blues secure a Premier League return and has been a key man in their impressive season to date.
Ryan Giggs
Giggs continues to defy the critics who have long predicted that the Manchester United veteran will need to call time on his career. The former Wales international's legs may not boast the pace of old, but his head is still streets ahead of many of his peers as Giggs has adapted his game superbly.
Michael Essien
Guus Hiddink took much of the credit for Chelsea's end-of-season renaissance last term, but the fact that Essien returned from a long-term lay-off at a similar time is no coincidence. One of the finest midfielders in the modern game, his absence has again been keenly felt by the Blues in recent weeks.
Graham Alexander
Alexander boasted an astonishing ever-present record during Burnley's successful 61-game promotion and cup campaign and has helped the Clarets prove the critics who claimed they would be out of their depth in the top flight wrong. Acts as a defensive screen in midfield and is deadly from the penalty spot.
Andrey Arshavin
Arshavin claims he is still not producing his best form for the Gunners, but his January arrival helped Arsenal climb back up the table to secure UEFA Champions League football. The diminutive playmaker has weighed in with further important goals to help Arsene Wenger's men challenge again.
Craig Bellamy
Bellamy has been in blistering form for Manchester City this season and was performing well at the start of the year before being sidelined by injury. On his day, the spiky striker can trouble the best in the business with his pace and shooting ability. How he reacts to mentor Mark Hughes' exit remains to be seen.
Darren Bent
Bent's Spurs stint is often written off as a failure, but his goal return despite a lack of starts was still acceptable. Handed a regular role for Sunderland, the England hopeful has blossomed further and took just five minutes to get off the mark for his new club. He has already reached double figures for the season.
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