Philippe Senderos joined Aston Villa on a free transfer this summer and has declared his (possible) new team-mate, Ron Vlaar, as the best defender at the World Cup in Brazil. Whilst this is possibly a stretch, the Dutch center-back’s ability definitely shined brighter alongside defenders of a higher caliber than he played alongside in last season’s Premier League fight for survival.

The Midlands club enjoyed an ample improvement of quality at the back, following a comedy-of-errors the preceding year, but still leaked over 60 goals across the 38 league games. Vlaar could hardly be held accountable for these statistics, more likely a large reason they scraped their way through the campaigns above the relegation zone.

The defender’s quality really stood out in South America this summer though, causing many teams to sit up and take notice of a player that could be snapped up for considerably less than many other transfer targets. Arsenal, Tottenham and Southampton are believed to be the likeliest predators for Villa manager, Paul Lambert, to attempt to keep at bay.