This is the impenetrable Chelsea defence should they sign Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson

Ben Gibson

While it would be harsh on Gary Cahill to leave him out, he did make errors at the start of the campaign, and at the age of 31, the Blues may be considering a long-term replacement for the England defender.

And that man looks set to be Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson, who has impressed in Aitor Karanka’s struggling side this season.

The 24-year-old has started all 27 of their Premier League games this term, and has been a chief reason why Boro have conceded just 30 goals in the league so far, the least of any side in the bottom half of the table.

Impressive displays against Tottenham, Swansea, and Hull has seen interest grow in the centre-back, with both Chelsea and Manchester City linked with the Englishman.

Gibson has all the traits to become an excellent modern-day centre-back, and one that would surely slot into Conte’s back three at Chelsea, and in turn make them even more difficult to beat.