As the Premier League pauses for the FIFA World Cup 2022, we are looking at some of the numbers behind the season so far.
Best blockers
As you would expect for blocking, centre-backs dominate this area of putting their bodies on the line to protect their goal.
While the fact that James Tarkowski leads this category may not be a surprise, the number of blocks the Everton defender has made is remarkable.
Tarkowski's 38 blocks are more than double the next-highest number, the 18 made by his former Burnley team-mate Ben Mee who is now at Brentford.
Lisandro Martinez has been quick to make an impact at Manchester United, ranking fifth for blocks.
| Player | Blocks |
|---|---|
| James Tarkowski | 38 |
| Ben Mee | 18 |
| Chris Mepham | 16 |
| Mohammed Salisu | 15 |
| Lisandro Martinez | 14 |
| Thiago Silva | 13 |
| Fabian Schar | 13 |
| Tim Ream | 13 |
| Nathan Collins | 13 |
| Max Kilman | 13 |
Also in this series
Part 1: Which team are the best at shooting?
Part 2: Which team are best at converting big chances?
Part 3: Which team hit the woodwork the most?
Part 4: Which team have run the furthest?
Part 5: Which team have made the most substitutions?
Part 6: Which players are the best dribblers?
Part 7: Which players have covered the most distance?
Part 8: Which players are the best tacklers?