'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Defence
Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Chelsea)
Marcos Alonso has replicated last season's impressive performances. A constant presence for Chelsea at the back, Alonso single-handedly rescued Chelsea against Tottenham on matchday 2 and has been brilliant throughout the campaign.
He started all the Premier League games this season and has scored 5 times for the defending champions. More than the goals and assists, Alonso's work rate, and defensive awareness have been phenomenal. He averages 2 tackles per game in addition to 9 clean sheets.
Centre-back: Nicolas Otamendi (Manchester City)
One of the key reasons why Manchester City have the best defensive record in Premier League. The Argentine is one of the best ball-playing defenders in world football right now. He is comfortable in possession, a trait Pep Guardiola wants in his defenders.
Otamendi has made 1,606 passes in Premier League this season, which is more than any player in the League this season. He chips in with important goals as well and has four to his name already this season. The Sky Blues have only conceded 12 goals this season, least in the league so far, thanks to the commanding presence of the 29-year-old.
Centre-back: Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
A right-back by nature, Cesar Azpilicueta has been the most consistent Chelsea payer the last two seasons. Playing on the right in a 3-man defence, the Spaniard has been a key player for Antonio Conte.
With a goal, 6 assists, 43 crosses, and 69 accurate long balls from 19 appearances, Azpilicueta has been one of the most creative defenders in the Premier League this season. With 9 clean sheets and tackle success % of 77, he has given a stable base for Chelsea to build their attacking play.
Right-back: Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Pep Guardiola paid approximately £50 million for Kyle Walker in the summer and it turned out to be a masterstroke from the Spaniard. Walker's pace and world rate have been phenomenal and he is easily the best fullback in the country right now. He is physically strong and equally good in both defence and attack.
Pep Guardiola hailed him as the best right-back in the world, ahead of City's clash with Spurs on matchday 18. When all the focus in on City's attacking prowess, Walker has silently developed into one of Pep's most trusted players.
