Who Has Been The Most Dominant Premier League Player In The Air This Season?

The Premier League has been the home of the most expensive defenders of all-time, with the likes of Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Virgil van Dijk costing over £70m. But based on headed clearances, who has been the most dominant in the air this season, 

All stats per Premier League website (headed clearances)

10. Marcos Sensei (54)

The first name on this list is AFC Bournemouth stalwart, Marcos Sensei. The Spaniard signed for the Cherries in the summer of last year and has been a crucial member ever since. His dominance in the air has been beneficial defensively and even going forward, with a headed goal against league leaders Arsenal.

9. Tyrone Mings (54)

Next is Premier League veteran Tyrone Mings, who has made over 146 for Aston Villa in the top division. Being six-foot and five inches gives the Englishman a huge advantage in the air, which is a huge factor for his place in this list. The Villains have had an indifferent season so far, as Unai Emery continues to settle in and Mings has started every match under his new boss.

8. Dan Burn (54)

The first (and only) player to appear on this list that does not play in the centre back position, is Newcastle’s Dan Burn. His move from Brighton to Newcastle had been the defender’s dream, as he was born and raised as a supporter of the Magpies.

The 30-year-old has played centrally throughout his career, but Newcastle manager Eddie Hearn has transformed him into superb left-back. Despite this switch, his ability in the air has been there for all to see and has even achieved a tackle success rate of 58%.

🗣 "He headed it on the halfway line, and it ended up in the six yard box… it was unbelievable!"#NUFC's Dan Burn and Ryan Fraser check out their FIFA stats 😂 pic.twitter.com/qnpPIBKTSh

— Dave Wick (@Caesermyn3) April 27, 2022

7. Robin Koch (57)

Leeds United find themselves in yet another relegation battle, with new manager Javi Garcia being appointed to maintain their Premier League status. One player that has performed consistently for the Whites is defender, Robin Koch.

The German has made 57 headed clearances and won 73 aerial battles this season, placing him seventh in this list above some of the league’s best defenders.

6. Chris Mepham (62)

Joining his fellow Bournemouth teammate Marcos Sensei and the first to break 60 headed clearances is Chris Mepham. The Welshman has been a consistent starter under Gary O’Neil, winning 36 aerial duels and helping Bournemouth’s push to avoid relegation.

5. Mohammed Salisu (65)

One player that has stood out in Southampton’s worst Premier League season, is defender Mohammed Salisu. Making 65 headed clearances and having superb performances against Manchester City and Arsenal, has highlighted his defensive prowess.

Not only is he dominant in the air but the Ghanian international has made no errors leading to goal and only lost 27 aerial duels.

Black Stars and Southampton defender Mohammed Salisu, report to camp ahead of AFCON qualifiers.

🇬🇭 v 🇦🇴#BlackStars #AFCONQ2023 pic.twitter.com/DEB6YEO5FK

— Original TV Ghana (@originaltvghana) March 21, 2023

4. Maximilian Kilman (71)

Getting into the Champions League places of this list is Wolves’ Max Kilman, who is now one of the most exciting prospects in the league. His background in futsal has been clear to see with the Englishman boasting superb technical ability.

However, his understanding in a defensive aspect is equally as impressive, being the first player to make over 70 headed clearances.

3. Ethan Pinnock (90)

Now onto the first of the podium places, which goes to Brentford’s Ethan Pinnock. The Jamaican has made 90 headed clearances this season, 21 more than Kilman in third. His influence on the Bees has been colossal this year, helping Brentford’s aim of European football.

2. James Tarkowski (91)

Just missing out on first place is Everton warrior, James Tarkowski who has yet again dominated headers in the Premier League. Making a staggering 91 headed clearances, the England international has shown his quality since Sean Dyche took over the Toffee’s.

His partnership with Connor Coady has started to improve, helping the blue side of Merseyside pick up points against Chelsea, Brentford, and Arsenal.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿James Tarkowski's stats against Arsenal:

Shots on target: 1
Passing Accuracy: 84.2%
Aerial Duels won: 3
Interceptions: 2
Clearances: 4
Blocked Shots: 1
Goals: 1

Match Winner 🌟 #EVEARS pic.twitter.com/AnnsxRyIcx

— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) February 4, 2023

1. Joachim Andersen (91)

Topping the list and proving himself as the most aerially dominant player in the Premier League is Crystal Palace’s Joachim Andersen. The Danish international has played over 150 games for Crystal Palace and has also made 91 headed clearances.

I know what you’re thinking. Doesn’t Tarkowski have 91 headed clearances as well? Yes, however the Palace defender has only lost 27 aerial dues, whereas the Englishman has lost 33.

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