Chelsea’s 2022/23 team of the season: 3-4-2-1 featuring Enzo

Thiago Silva, No. 6, Centerback, Brazil

Silva won the Chelsea player of the season award, which while not undeserved, should probably have gone to Arrizabalaga. That said, the Brazil international had a superb campaign in his own right, winning an impressive 80% of the tackles he attempted, making 1.3 interceptions per game, and leading club centerbacks in clearances. He also blocked the most shots of any Chelsea player. Most importantly, he won 74% of his ground duels and 73% of his aerial duels. He was comfortably CFC’s most consistent outfielder this season, considering that Benoit Badiashile only played 913 minutes. He wasn’t as good in the UCL, but still managed a fantastic 75% ground duel success rate. His passing was superb in all competitions as usual.

Wesley Fofana, No. 33, Right centerback, France

Still the world’s most expensive centerback, the Frenchman had a good first campaign in Chelsea Blue. He was injured for several months this season, so to return with a considerable amount of the season to go was good for the club. The former Leicester City defender led the west London club in interceptions per game (1.7) and tackles per game (2). He won 66% of his ground duels per game, which is good, but won just 60% of his aerial duels per game, which is not so good.

The ex-Fox’s passing still leaves a lot to be desired, completing an abysmal 30% of his long balls per game. In fact, that success rate would be poor for a goalkeeper, talk less of an outfielder. There’s a lot to be excited about, like the fact that he wins more fouls than he concedes, which is impressive for a defender. In hindsight, maybe £80m was a bit much for him, but the former FA Cup finalists got a good centerback nonetheless.