'%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)
#3 Cesar Azpilicueta
Many call him the bargain of the decade from Chelsea's point of view and it's difficult to argue against that claim. Cesar Azpilicueta has been nothing short of a soldier for the Blues for almost a decade now. He's rallied at various positions in the back-line, in different systems and given his best.
The Spaniard is still going strong for the Premier League giants at 32 and has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season. There's one thing that you always get from Azpilicueta in abundance and that is crosses low and high, drilled from the right flank. His ability to find the target man remains top-notch, having already assisted on three occasions this season.
The Spanish international has also been significantly better at defending than many regulars in the squad despite less game time. He has made the most blocks for Chelsea (20) and has also registered 19 tackles. Azpilicueta has also been impressive with his pressing, and has recorded higher numbers than both Ben Chilwell and Reece James in the department.
#2 Jorginho
It has been a great year for Jorginho as far as personal glory is concerned. A Champions League medal and a Euro 2020 winner's medal in the same year have seen him enter the conversation for a Ballon d'Or podium finish. Only time will tell if his exploits will favor him with the biggest award of the year, but Jorginho isn't one to sit on past achievements.
He continued his job in midfield for Chelsea, just where he left off last season. He has been the best player for Tuchel's team in terms of pressing the opposition, although he has also been dribbled past the most (24) this season. But Jorginho made up for his lack of attention at times by putting in 26 tackles.
He has also made an impressive 20 interceptions and, just like always, the Italian has not let his team down from the penalty spot, scoring thrice. Chelsea may soon start thinking of finding a successor to Jorginho, who's now 30 and may not be starting every game next season onwards.
#1 Mateo Kovacic
Arguably an early contender for Chelsea's Player of the Season come the end of the campaign, Mateo Kovacic has shown his best version in a Blues shirt this term. He has been a complete midfielder for Tuchel this season, providing creativity, cutting edge and even physicality in defense.
He has registered the most Premier League assists in the squad (5), a part of his game that was lacking in the previous few seasons. However, it is important that he continues to do this and his midfield partners provide him with the necessary cushion.
Kovacic has also shown a sturdy and rough side to his game, managing 26 tackles, the most by a Chelsea player in the Premier League. He has been as effective as Jorginho in pressing higher and winning the ball in advantageous areas. The Croatian also tops the list for creating the most chances for a shot.
The Chelsea No.8 has been out of the squad since the end of October due to an injury and will likely miss a few more games. Tuchel will hope he's back in the squad with a busy December period approaching.
