Pep Guardiola may not care about them, but few things get English crowds warmed up on a cold matchday than a ball-winning challenge. For all the modern emphasis on interception and anticipation, the tackle still has a role to play – as this lot know.
These are the current Premier League players with the highest successful tackle count in the division. The list is led by two Hammers who are experts at nailing the ball and avoiding the opponent (most of the time).
As you’d expect, longevity is important here – you’d have to be some kind of cross between Giorgio Chiellini and an octopus to reach our leader’s 921 tackles in half a season or so. But some players have shot up into the 300 club quicker than others.
Ten minutes are on the clock to name our tackle kings, based on their Premier League challenges and current club. Let us know how you get on @FourFourTwo – we’ll retweet the best scores, if you don’t give answers away – and please challenge some pals too. Ey? Never mind.
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