Welcome Back Ake: The new-look Chelsea defence in 2017 including recalled loanee

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is the only surviving member of this Chelsea defence, but there was no way that the Spaniard was going to be dropped.

He has been stellar this year, as he always is, and Conte would never dream of placing him on the bench.

Like Ake, he is a natural full-back, so a position on the flanks of a 3 man defence suits him well – and he seems to be improving in the role with every passing week.

A move to a wing-back role could be forthcoming eventually, but for the time being – playing as a centre-half is serving him well.