Palace's Premier League Top 10s: Tacklers

Club

5 Jul 2023

In celebration of Palace’s 10 years in the Premier League, we’re taking a look back at some of our Premier League top 10s. This instalment has a look back at our top tacklers over the years.

Palace’s Top 10 Premier League goalscorers
Palace’s Top 10 Premier League appearances
Palace’s Top 10 Premier League passers

Honourable mentions

Narrowly missing out on Palace’s top 10 tacklers were Cheikhou Kouyaté and Martin Kelly, who both registered 235 tackles each, two fewer than those that start the list...

10. Jordan Ayew & Yohan Cabaye - 237 tackles

Remarkably, at the start of the top 10 list, both Jordan Ayew and Yohan Cabaye are joint 10th with 237 tackles apiece.

The Frenchman joined the side in the summer of 2015 and made a lasting impact in the heart of the midfield. He topped Palace’s tackle stats in his first season at the club, with 105 to his name and was fifth and second for tackles his two latter seasons.

Known for his ability to defend from the front, Jordan Ayew has climbed further up the tackle charts during his time in south London - repeatedly making the top 10 tacklers each season since initially joining on loan in 18/19.

9. Tyrick Mitchell - 244 tackles

In just three full seasons in red and blue, Tyrick Mitchell has broken into Palace’s top 10 tacklers with 244 tackles to his name.

From his first competitive start against Adama Traoré, to taking on the likes of Heung-Min Son and Bernardo Silva, Mitchell has grown as a left-back and was in the side’s top three tacklers over the past three seasons - topping the charts in 2021/22.

8. Mile Jedinak - 269 tackles

The Australian midfielder was a commanding presence in Palace's midfield during his time at the club. Jedinak’s defensive prowess in midfield earns him the eighth place spot on this list, with 269 tackles to his name.

Captaining the side during their initial stint after promotion from 2013 through to 2016, Jedinak was crucial in displaying the grit and determination needed to maintain the club’s status in the Premier League. He made 133 tackles in 2013/14, the most of any Palace player in a single season.

7. Jason Puncheon - 277 tackles

Another midfielder in the top 10 is Jason Puncheon, who managed to chalk up 277 tackles in his time at the club.

Though he was more known for his creative output, Puncheon’s ability to win the ball back high up the pitch flew under the radar, as the midfielder consistently finished inside the top 10 for Palace tacklers in his first four seasons at the club. His best single season for tackles was in 2016/17, with 73.

6. Jeffrey Schlupp - 287 tackles

Jeffrey Schlupp’s time in SE25 has seen him play a multitude of positions. From left-back and centre-back to left-wing and central midfield, regardless of where he is Schlupp has been consistent in winning the ball back.

The Ghanaian is averaging over 40 tackles per season during his time at the club, and has recently finished third in the charts for tackles in 22/23 with 66.

5. Andros Townsend - 311 tackles

Halfway through Palace’s top 10 tacklers is Andros Townsend. In his five season he managed to rack up 311 tackles - he is the first player on the list to break the 300 mark.

Despite his attacking role, Townsend has displayed a commendable defensive work rate. He was often seen tracking back and making crucial tackles when needed, whilst also being a threat in the final third with his long-range strikes and crosses.

4. Luka Milivojević - 360 tackles

Just missing out on a top three spot is former Palace captain Luka Milivojević. In six and a half seasons, the Serbian has tallied up 360 tackles in the centre of the park.

His first full season 2017/18 saw him win the ball back 85 times - topping the charts for that campaign. He averaged just over 55 tackles per season.

3. Wilfried Zaha - 371 tackles

Taking the bronze medal for tackles is Wilfried Zaha. After returning on loan in 2013/14, the winger has been remarkably consistent with his tackling output per season - averaging just over 40 per campaign.

Though he is deployed further up the pitch and is known for his goalscoring and creative abilities, Zaha has demonstrated his ability to win the ball back by tracking back and closing down opposition defenders high up the pitch.

2. James McArthur - 528 tackles

The departing James McArthur is runner-up in Palace’s top 10 tacklers. The industrious defensive midfielder managed to notch over 500 tackles in his nine seasons at the club.

The Scot was known for getting stuck in to tackles and breaking up play in midfield, playing alongside the likes of others in the top 10 like Milivojević and Cabaye. Indeed, his ability to win the ball back was demonstrated greatly by his topping of the tackle charts in 2019/20 with 88.

1. Joel Ward - 613 tackles

Top of the charts is none other than Joel Ward. The club’s current longest serving player has played across the defence and even in midfield on occasion, consistently putting in tackles wherever he has been deployed.

He registered the most tackles in 2014/15 and in 2016/17 - 95 and 89 tackles respectively - and has averaged just over 60 tackles per season since the side secured promotion back in 2013.

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First-team

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