A perfectly timed tackle remains one of football’s most satisfying defensive actions.
The best tacklers do more than simply make frequent challenges. They recognise danger early, approach opponents from the correct angle and win possession without conceding a foul or leaving space behind them.
Tackle totals alone can also be misleading. A defender playing for a team without much possession will naturally have more opportunities to make challenges than a midfielder representing a side that controls most matches. Some excellent defensive players rarely need to tackle because their positioning prevents the danger from developing.
This ranking therefore considers tackles won, total tackles, efficiency, fouls, tactical role and the difficulty of the situations in which challenges are attempted. It combines performances from the opening weeks of 2026/27 with evidence from the completed 2025/26 season.
Statistics are correct as of 19 September 2026 and will change as the campaign develops.
The Best Premier League Tacklers in 2026/27
James Garner, Everton
Anan Khalaili, Crystal Palace
Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest
James Justin, Leeds United
Tyrick Mitchell, Crystal Palace
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City
Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea
Ethan Ampadu, Leeds United
Vitaly Janelt, Brentford
Adrien Truffert, Bournemouth
1. James Garner, Everton
James Garner has the strongest overall claim to be considered the Premier League’s best tackler.
The Everton midfielder won more tackles than any other player during the 2025/26 campaign. He finished the season with approximately 72 successful tackles from 120 total attempts, demonstrating an ability to sustain his defensive output across all 38 league matches.
Garner’s position places him at the centre of Everton’s defensive work. He is regularly required to contest second balls, confront opponents moving through midfield and prevent counterattacks after possession has been lost.
His tackling is not purely reactive. Garner frequently recognises the intended pass and begins closing down the receiving player before the ball arrives. This reduces the opponent’s…
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