Find out which players have made the most tackles in the Premier League, as well as last-player tackles and ground duels.
Premier League best tacklers 2025-26
Which players have made the most tackles in the Premier League in 2025-26?
Premier League most tackles 2025-26
Which teams have made the most tackles in the Premier League in 2025-26?
What is a tackle?
Opta defines a tackle as when a player “connects with a ball in a legal, ground level challenge” and successfully takes the ball away from an opposition. The opposition player needs to be in controlled possession for a tackle to count. Tackles are then broken down into two further subsections. A tackle won is when the tackler — or a teammate — regains possession or the ball goes out of play. A tackle lost is when the ball goes to another opposition player. Both count towards tackles made, though.
Ground duels are 50-50 contests between two players on opposing sides, when the ball is on the floor.
What do tackle numbers tell us about a player?
Tackle numbers are generally highest among full-backs and defensive midfielders. Those are the real action zones in matches. High tackle numbers generally tell us how good a player is at stopping the opposition, and is used by fans to judge such players. Idrissa Gueye made 133 tackles in the Premier League last season, more than any other player. And even at his age, he’s recognised as a reliable defensive midfielder. The same goes for Daniel Munoz as an all-round wing-back, with his 123 tackles.
Who are the best tacklers in Premier League history?
Tackle stats only go back to 2006-07 in the Premier League, when Opta’s records began. It may not be a surprise to see that Gareth Barry — who leads the division for appearances — is the only player to make over 1,000 tackles. The former English midfielder retired on 1,028 tackles. Lucas Leiva sits second on 978, with Pablo Zabaleta completing the top three on 953. James Milner is the highest-ranking active player, recently breaking the 900 mark.