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Full-backs
Right-back: Luis Antonio Valencia (Manchester United)
Matches: 29, Clean Sheets:14, Goals Conceded: 21, Goals: 3, Assists: 1, Recoveries: 179, Interceptions: 43, Clearances: 59, Tackles: 52
For a man who began his career as a speedy winger down the right flank, Valencia has adapted to the role of right-back extremely well. The Ecuadorian who was handed the number.7 shirt as a successor to Ronaldo had a terrible season which led to his stocks fall. The departure of right-back, Rafael, saw manager Louis van Gaal try Valencia at the right-back role, a role which Valencia initially struggled in.
With time Valencia has learned the trade and under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, he has improved by leaps and bounds. His positional sense has gotten better, and he's still excellent going forward, more so for a full-back. Now as the skipper of Manchester United, he's one of the most experienced and longest-serving players on the pitch.
He has evolved to become one of the best right-backs in the league. His physical strength and mental toughness, combined with the pace to track back make him hard to beat. He's also contributed to 3 goals this season, with his blast from outside the box against Everton being the pick of the lot.
Unlucky to miss out: Kieran Trippier (Tottenham Hotspur)
Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Matches: 31, Clean Sheets: 11, Goals Conceded: 29, Goals: 6, Assists: 2, Recoveries: 178, Interceptions: 42, Clearances: 56, Tackles: 47
Though defending champions Chelsea have flattered to deceive this season with their defending, in particular, being culpable for their disappointing position in the league table, Alonso has had a stellar season playing as the left wing-back in a 5-man defense.
He has made the best use of the freedom afforded to him while going forward. His attacking prowess has also managed to hide his defensive deficiencies, one that has been exposed in certain games which Chelsea have lost.
The Spaniard is always lurking around the box to get on the end of a pass or is the one delivering the passes from the left flank. His best performance came against London rivals Tottenham at the start of 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 seen him named in the PFA Team of the Year and it has also caught the eye of his national coach as he just received his maiden national team cap.
Unlucky to miss out: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Andrew Robertson (Liverpool)
