Best of Premier League’s starting XI this season

Caesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)

This is a player that never seems to be able to play without a smile on his face and is a real pleasure to watch game in, game-out. Azpilicueta broke onto the scene at Chelsea back in the 2012/2013 season and has cemented himself in the heart of Chelsea’s title hungry defense. Although he is not complimented with a fury of goals like his Spanish partner Marcos Alonso, Azpilicueta can be quite threatening down the left-hand side of the field with his menacing pace and crossing.

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While his offensive statistics are not overly impressive, his defensive ability is. In 25 appearances this season, the 27-year old Azpilicueta has managed an 88% pass accuracy with the average length being 19 meters. Per match, the defender averages about seven defensive actions- be that blocks, clearances or interceptions. While this isn’t a record-breaking amount or top of the league, his touches are vital to the heart of Chelsea’s title race.

The way that Antonio Conte has shaped this squad seems to fit with Caesar Azpilicueta’s style; he is no longer cramped at the back and has the option to move forward when he needs to. Conte’s trust in the back three system has paid dividends many times over as the line of Cahill, Luiz and Azpilicueta have held firm through most of their opposition.