FFC columnist and Watford fan

‘Big Danny', as he is more commonly known amongst the Vicarage Road faithful, has been one of the main reasons behind Watford's position at the right end of the table this season.  The Nigerian defender who has put in some match winning performances and chipped in with eight goals, continues to be one of Aidy Boothroyd's most important players, even though he so nearly slipped through his fingers. 
Big Dan was all set to sign for West Brom in the summer of 2006 before Watford hijacked the move at the 11th hour.  The lure of Premiership football was too good an opportunity for Shittu to turn down, and how glad Watford fans are he didn't.  The man has been a revelation in his 18 months at Vicarage Road and despite some high profile absences from the first team, notably against Manchester United in last season's FA Cup semi-final, his dominance of those who come before him has been evident for all to see this season.  For this reason I raise the question, is Big Dan the best defender outside the top division? 

For those who see Shittu week in week out, like I do, will agree that the man is just a beast.  He wins everything in the air, and I do mean everything, is rarely out paced by strikers and is a real threat in the opposition's box.  If I did have one criticism of Danny, however, it would be that occasionally he loses concentration and is sometimes caught out of position.  His strengths certainly outweigh his weaknesses though, and this is why I believe he is the best defender outside of the top flight.  Now it wouldn't be right for me to make this suggestion without looking at other contenders. 

Leicester and Crystal Palace have the best defensive records in the division, and while there is no doubt they both defend well as a unit, it does not appear that there is one stand out defender for either of them.  Stoke City invested heavily over January to rebuild their defence, and it seems to have paid off as they currently sit top of the league.  Leon Cort and Ryan Shawcross seem to have built up a quick understanding, with the latter having had an impressive season since his initial loan move from Manchester United, which has now been made permanent.  I'm sure fans of every club in the Championship could make a claim for one of their defenders being superior to Danny, but how many of them can cut it in the Premier League? 

Matt Kilgallon at Sheffield United, Mark Hudson at Palace and of course our old boy Paul Robinson at West Brom all spring to mind, but personally, I'd have Danny over all of them.  Robbo would be welcomed back with open arms, but his discipline lets him down and this is why I rate Danny higher.  All this added to his recent African Cup of Nations appearance is my argument for him being the best defender outside the Premiership. 

If you think your club has a candidate who is better than Danny however, get stuck in to your keyboard, and post a comment underneath.

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