2. Claudio Yacob (West Bromwich Albion): 57
The Argentine defensive midfielder has been a revelation this season and has consistently put in performances of the highest order. His superb performances have seen him linked with a move to Liverpool in December. While he may not be moving this January, if he continues to impress for Albion, a move to one of the Premier League’s big boys will come sooner rather than later for the 26-year old. He has won 57 of the 113 tackles he has attempted this season (50% success) but has committed 28 fouls and collected 3 yellow cards so far this season.
1. Joel Ward (Crystal Palace): 64
The young Englishman is perhaps the surprise presence atop this list, but Ward has been outstanding in his role as the right back of a team fighting for survival. The team’s performances have picked up over the course of the last 10 matches, and Ward has been a major contributor to that with his tough tackling, giving little joy to wingers and full backs down his side of the pitch. He has won an astounding 73% of the 88 tackles he has attempted this season, and has committed only 11 fouls so far and hasn’t collected any yellow cards in 18 appearances so far. If he continues in the same vein, Palace surely will have hope in their fight for survival.