Top 5 Chelsea players of 2017

#4 Thibaut Courtois

While the attack of every side garners all the attention throughout the season, often champion sides have a steady defence that functions like a well-oiled machine and Chelsea's defence laid the groundwork for their success in 2016-17 and one man, in particular, was at the heart of it all, Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian has been one of the best goalkeepers through the 2016-17 season of the Premier League alongside David De Gea and deservedly won the golden glove last season for keeping a clean sheet in 16 out of the 36 appearances he made for the Blues. Courtois showed great reflexes, shot-stopping ability and is, in general, a dominant presence in the air to ensure that the Chelsea defence has proven to be a tough nut to crack for the opposition attackers.

While Chelsea are off the pace when compared to the high-flying Manchester City at the moment, there is no denying that Courtois has been consistent with his performances, making some crucial saves to keep Chelsea in the fray and has to be amongst the players who have ensured that the Blues remain on course for a steady finish to the season.

The Chelsea man has also shown great distribution ability and is one of the finest all-round goalkeepers in the world at the moment and has only gone on to better his performances season after since moving from Atletico Madrid.