This is Chelsea’s dream January defence including this key target

Cesar Azpilicueta

Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta has been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League since his arrival in 2012, and he’s seamlessly slotted into Conte’s back three in the last few months.

The 27-year-old has been an ever-present in the Chelsea team this season, and was one of a few players who started the campaign well for the Blues despite their defensive struggles.

Azpilicueta’s natural position of right-back seriously helps him on the right-hand-side of this back three, as he’s able to move wide with the knowledge that one of Nemanja Matic or N’Golo Kante can slot into his position.

He has been a key part of the Chelsea defence that has conceded once in seven games, and he’s likely to retain that importance as the season progresses.