The best defence in history of England? The answer may surprise you

Football in England has long been described as highly physical and defensive-minded. Long balls have been English football's trademark, while creativity did not live in the British Islands. Since the beginning of the century, things started to change as more and more foreign players reinforced English sides, but some teams do not give up on their roots so easily.

A bargain that could build a bridge between 'football' and 'soccer'

Championship side Burnley have conceded only nine goals in 31 league rounds so far and currently sit in the second spot, holding the ticket for an immediate return to the Premier League. However, even if they do not secure the promotion, Burnley's season could be historic - all because of their rock-solid defence.

In addition, the Clarets conceded fewer goals than any team in England, as the Championship table-toppers, Leeds United, follow them with 19 goals conceded - ten more than Burnley?! Moreover, Scott Parker's crew's defence is better than any team's from the top two flights in Germany, France, Spain, and Italy by five goals!

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea set the defensive standard in English football in the 2004/2005 season when the Blues conceded only 15 goals in 38 Premier League rounds. Well, after 31 rounds, they had conceded one goal more than Burnley at this point. And according to the renowned Opta Analyst, even though Parker's men may go over the aforementioned 15 goals - given that Championship teams play 46 games in a season - considering only a per-game basis, the Clarets are currently better than Chelsea and thus the best defence in English football's history.

Interestingly, Burnley do not bother with offence too much, as they netted only 37 times. For instance, 40 different sides in English professional leagues scored more goals than them, but only two teams collected more points. Their defence simply compensates for the inefficient attack, with 22 clean sheets in 31 matches! Moreover, they last conceded on December 21 against Watford and have since kept nine clean sheets!

The most deserved for all these accomplishments and the heart and soul of this team is the defensive trio - custodian James Trafford, Man City's child, and two central defenders: the 22-year-old Frenchman Maxime Esteve, who joined the Clarets from the Ligue 1 side Montpellier and his peer and another Cityzens' former prospect, CJ Egan-Riley.

So, the next time you underestimate defensive tactics and call them dull, remember that Burnley made it a piece of art. After all, it's not said in vain that "attack wins you games and defence wins you titles."