Goalkeeper: David de Gea
Trying to separate De Gea, Thibaut Courtois and Hugo Lloris is not an easy task. Courtois has been exceptional in his first season as Chelsea’s No1, while Lloris has regularly spared the blushes of a Tottenham defence that always offers encouragement to opposition strikers. Yet where would Manchester United be without De Gea’s saves? The Spaniard’s exploits have been jaw-dropping at times, his stand-out performance coming in the 3-0 win over Liverpool in December, and he has often been the difference between victory and defeat for Louis van Gaal’s side. As good as Courtois has been, Chelsea would arguably still be top with Petr Cech in goal.
Right-back: Nathaniel Clyne
It probably would not have saved England from group-stage failure, but it remains a mystery why Roy Hodgson did not take the Southampton right-back to the World Cup. Clyne rarely puts a foot wrong and he has been excellent this season, quick, positionally aware, strong in the tackle and adventurous going forward. Arsenal’s Héctor Bellerín, Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic, Burnley’s Kieran Trippier and West Ham’s Carl Jenkinson have all impressed, but Clyne deserves his spot in this team. And, perhaps, a permanent one for England. The 23-year-old is only going to get better.
Centre-back: Toby Alderweireld
While Southampton have been rightly praised for the quality of their football, part of their success has been down to their defensive record. Southampton have the meanest defence in the league, having only conceded 21 goals, and Alderweireld has caught the eye alongside José Fonte. The Belgian defender is on a season-long loan from Atlético Madrid and Southampton would love to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer.
Centre-back: John Terry
The Chelsea captain looked like he was reaching the end two years ago. Terry was not a fixture in the side under Rafael Benítez, with David Luiz and Gary Cahill seemingly rising above him in the pecking order, but he has discovered a new lease of life since José Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge. The 34-year-old has been as reliable as ever this season, scored Chelsea’s opening goal in their 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final and is likely to extend his contract for at least another year.
Left-back: César Azpilicueta
Honourable mentions to Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand and West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell, but Chelsea’s Spanish left-back is quietly enjoying another outstanding campaign. Although he is predominantly right-footed, it is testament to his defensive ability that he does not look out of place on the left.
Right wing: Alexis Sánchez
Although the Chilean’s level has dipped since the turn of the year, his performances during the first half of the season should not be underestimated. He was often the sole shining light for Arsenal during a tricky period for Arsène Wenger’s side and 19 goals in his debut season in England, with more potentially on the way, should not be sniffed at. It is questionable whether Arsenal would be in a position to finish in the top four without Sánchez’s efforts before Christmas, so he can be forgiven for a few tired displays.
Central midfield: Nemanja Matic
Does anyone want to argue about the inclusion of Chelsea’s brilliant Serbian midfielder? No? Good.
Central midfield: Cesc Fàbregas
The Spaniard has not been quite as effective in the past two months, his partnership with Matic disrupted by injuries and suspensions, but Chelsea’s dominance owes much to Fàbregas’s assists and control in midfield. An on-form Fàbregas is comfortably the best midfielder in England.
Left wing: Eden Hazard
The Belgian is a player who demands special attention. It has become common to see two or three defenders trying to crowd Hazard out and block his path to goal, but he usually finds a way through, his touch, strength, balance and dribbling ability ensuring that he is always capable of wriggling away with the ball. The Chelsea winger has matured wonderfully, responding well to the way that Mourinho has pushed him, and he will surely be named player of the year.
Centre-forward: Diego Costa
Marking the Chelsea striker cannot be a barrel of laughs. Not only does he constantly seem to be on a wind-up mission, snarling his way through games and picking countless fights with defenders, he is also a superb player. Mourinho did not bother to hide his displeasure with his forwards last season, but it is safe to say that he loves Costa. He has not been as prolific since the turn of the year, mainly because of the suspension he received for that stamp on Liverpool’s Emre Can in January, but his 19 league goals have put Chelsea on course to win their first title since 2010.
Centre-forward: Harry Kane
If the Tottenham striker entered the general election as an independent candidate, he would win. Kane has been the story of the season, his boundless, puppyish energy and thirst for goals making it impossible to take your eyes off him. It took a while for the 21-year-old to convince Mauricio Pochettino of his worth, but he has not looked back since breaking into the side, scoring 29 goals in all competitions and earning his first England call-up. Having scored twice in the 5-3 win over Chelsea, he then went and scored both goals in Tottenham’s 2-1 win over Arsenal, before scoring his first hat-trick in last Saturday’s 4-3 win over Leicester City. Anyone who says they dislike him is a liar.
Substitutes
Thibaut Courtois, Ryan Bertrand, Laurent Koscielny, Santi Cazorla, Philippe Coutinho, Christian Eriksen, Sergio Agüero.
