Chelsea’s ideal XI following the January window

Gary Cahill

Gary Cahill was criticised for his start to the season at Chelsea after several costly mistakes saw the Blues draw 2-2 at Swansea, and then lose 3-0 at Arsenal in September.

However, since Conte switched to a back three, the England defender has improved ten-fold, and is now an indispensable member of the Blues’ backline.

Cahill looks a different player to the one that gifted Alexis Sanchez the opener at the Emirates, to the point that Conte’s reported interest in strengthening his defence has subsided in recent times.

Keeping a steady backline will be important for Chelsea in the remainder of the campaign, and Cahill’s recent displays suggest that he is there to stay for a while yet.