1) Laurent Koscielny (31, Arsenal)
Quick, aggressive, proactive, intelligent and a footballer comfortable with the ball at his feet, Rio Ferdinand is not the only one who thinks the Frenchman is the best centre-half in the Premier League. We have a soft spot for Toby Alderweireld but Koscielny has longevity on his side.
There was a time when Koscielny was susceptible to the odd brain fade but he is now near-imperious and Arsenal are a very different defensive prospect in his absence. Gunners must simply hope that Rob Holding is playing close attention.