English Premier League has witnessed some exceptional defensive talents over the years, players who possess the ability to read the game, intercept passes, and execute perfectly timed challenges. Tackling, a fundamental aspect of defensive play, highlights a player’s ability to win possession and thwart opposition attacks.
In this article, we delve into the Premier League archives to unveil the five players with the most tackles in its storied history.
5- James Milner (883 tackles)
Milner started his Premier League journey with Leeds United in 2002 and later played for Newcastle United and Aston Villa before joining Manchester City in 2010. At City, Milner developed into a versatile midfielder and won two Premier League titles before joining Liverpool in 2015. Soon after, he became a crucial player under Klopp, often playing alongside Jordan Henderson at the heart of the Reds’ midfield line. With Liverpool, Milner has won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the Champions League. Throughout his career, the English star has registered a total of 883 tackles in the Premier League.
4- Gael Clichy (927 tackles)
Clichy had a successful Premier League career that began with Arsenal in 2003. The Frenchman quickly established himself as a key player for the Gunners, winning the Premier League a year after his arrival. In 2011, Clichy made a move to Manchester City, where he played a vital role in the club’s transformation under the guidance of Roberto Mancini and later Manuel Pellegrini. With Manchester City, Clichy lifted two Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.
3- Pablo Zabaleta (953 tackles)
Another Man City star, Pablo Zabaleta, started his Premier League career after a move from Espanyol in 2008. He played a crucial role in City’s rise to prominence, winning two Premier League trophies in 2012 and 2014. In 2017, Zabaleta left Manchester City and moved to West Ham United, where he stayed until his retirement in 2020. Throughout his Premier League journey, Zabaleta tallied an impressive 953 tackles.
2- Lucas Leiva (978 tackles)
Leiva started his Premier League career after a successful spell at Brazilian side Gremio. His incredible work rate and versatility convinced Liverpool to sign him in 2007. Leiva quickly became a mainstay in the team’s midfield. Although he didn’t win a Premier League title, he was part of the Liverpool squad that won the League Cup in the 2011-2012 season and reached the UEFA Europa League final in 2016. Throughout his tenure in the Premier League, Leiva made a total of 346 appearances for the Reds, registering 978 tackles in the Premier League.
1- Gareth Barry (1028 tackles)
Gareth Barry, a highly accomplished English midfielder, holds the record for the most tackles in Premier League history. Barry began his Premier League journey with Aston Villa in 1998 and stayed at Villa Park for over a decade. In 2009, Barry completed a move to Manchester City, where he played a crucial role in the club’s resurgence. With Manchester City, Barry won the FA Cup in 2011 before claiming the Premier League trophy a year later. Barry went on to play for Everton and West Bromwich toward the end of his career, taking his total tackle tally in the Premier League to a staggering 1028.
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