EPL: Joleon Lescott Is Quickly Becoming Manchester City's Best Defender

Okay, there have only been three games played—including the Community Shield—thus far this season, but Joleon Lescott has been impressive in all three.

Lescott has been a regular in the City side since Kolo Toure was banned last season after failing a drug test.

He and fellow centre-back Vincent Kompany forged an excellent partnership last season, conceding the fewest goals in the Premiership. Kompany took the plaudits, as his displays and leadership qualities were a major factor in City winning the FA Cup.

Lescott, though, just got on with his job and seemed happy for the players around him to take the praise.

The England international looked solid against Swansea in the opener and was one of City's best players last weekend in their win over Bolton.

Excellent in the air and a good reader of the game, Lescott is in some ways the perfect foil for the big, powerful Kompany.

Lescott may not be the quickest, but he is sharp over a short distance, which is perfect as City don't tend to play a high line under Roberto Mancini

A lot of people reading this will disagree with me, and I think I know why.

Lescott gets a lot of undue criticism from fans of both City and opponents.

But I think it's because of how awkward Lescott looks when he plays. He is far from a natural footballer.

When he passes the ball, it somehow doesn't look right.

However, that doesn't mean he is doing anything wrong. It just doesn't look as natural as, say, a Rio Ferdinand doing the same thing.

He is an athlete nevertheless, and a very good defender.

So people can say what they want about Joleon Lescott, but he is currently one of Manchester City's best players. It's as simple as that.