The Top Flight
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Premier League 2018/19 – Best Transfers XI

By Jonathan Forwood

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Alisson of Liverpool celebrates after Jordan Henderson of Liverpool (not pictured) scored their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 05: Alisson of Liverpool celebrates after Jordan Henderson of Liverpool (not pictured) scored their team's third goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St Mary's Stadium on April 05, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Lucas Digne of Everton FC takes a throw in during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 21, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – APRIL 21: Lucas Digne of Everton FC takes a throw in during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on April 21, 2019 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /

Defence

Lucas Digne (Everton, £35m)

Leighton Baines made life difficult for Digne on his arrival in Liverpool, purely due to his prolonged brilliance for Everton. However, after a slow start Digne has truly lived up to his predecessor. Everton have another rampaging left back who can keep things tight at the back while also getting forward to join the attacks. He has made by far the most chances of all defenders with 63!

Issa Diop (West Ham, £22m)

West Ham’s defence was particularly suspect last season. It has been a slow process of improvement, and there is still a long way to go, but there has definitely been improvement. This is in no small part thanks to the influence of Diop (and Fabianski), who has been a rock at the back for West Ham and elevated the likes of Ogbonna, Cresswell and Fredericks around him.

Fabian Schar (Newcastle, £3m)

Schar must be the best bargain of this line up. He has slotted directly into the heart of Newcastle’s defence and built up a reputation throughout the season. He burst into everyone else’s minds with a brace against Cardiff and has continued to look dangerous going forward and assured at the back ever since.

Ryan Fredericks (West Ham, Free)

Pickings were slim at right back, it seems more to be a position for young, up-and-coming, double-barrelled English talent (Alexander-Arnold, Wan-Bissaka, Walker-Peters). However, Fredericks made the choice to leave promoted Fulham and join the Hammers last summer, and it has definitely worked out for him! Pellegrini has let him adjust to life in the Premier League slowly, with Zabaleta as a guiding force. He had some wobbly moments early on but his performances towards the end of the season were outstanding and show that West Ham have snapped up a gem!

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