2017-18 Premier League team of the season so far

Full-backs

Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Matches: 29, Clean Sheets:13, Goals Conceded: 20, Assists: 6, Recoveries: 163 Interceptions: 28, Clearances: 53, Tackles: 43

The right-back has proved to be an invaluable signing for the Citizens

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester City spent £50m to sign Walker last summer, but the former Tottenham man has justified the confidence Pep Guardiola placed on him. The right-back, who has always been suspect defensively, has improved his game with better positional awareness and by utilising his pace to recover from advanced positions on the pitch.

The English right-back shares a great understanding with compatriot Raheem Sterling and he acts as the overlapping wing-back for Sterling who cuts inside to the central areas of the field. Walker has contributed six assists from the flanks and his pace has often stretched narrow defences.

Unlucky to miss out: Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)

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Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)

Matches: 30, Clean Sheets: 11, Goals Conceded: 27, Assists: 1 Goals: 6, Recoveries: 172, Interceptions: 41, Clearances: 55, Tackles: 46

Alonso's performances this season might earn him a World Cup berth in Spain's team

Though defending champions Chelsea have flattered to deceive this season with their defence in particular culpable for their disappointing position in the league table, Marcos Alonso has had a stellar season playing as the left wing-back in a 5-man defence and he has made best use of the freedom while going forward.

The Spaniard is always lurking around into the box to get on the end of pass or is the one delivering the passes from the left flank. His best performance came against London rivals Spurs early during the season when he scored both goals in a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. He's also one of Chelsea's assigned free-kick takers and has contributed six goals this season.

His consistent performances have also caught the eye of his national coach, leading to the Chelsea man receiving his maiden call-up for the Spanish team for friendlies against Germany and Argentina in March.

Unlucky to miss out: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)