Chelsea’s strongest defense – who makes the cut?

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates with Reece James of Chelsea after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on November 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Thiago Silva of Chelsea celebrates with Reece James of Chelsea after scoring the team's first goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on November 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
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Chelsea
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Ben Chilwell of Chelsea during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on September 27, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Ben Chilwell

Here’s yet another that may cause some eye rolling. Chilwell has always been and will always be, the first choice left back for Chelsea. While Marc Cucurella has performed extraordinarily, let’s not forget he was on the list of players for sale a short while ago. While his name might be more solidified at the expense of Ian Maatsen, Chilwell is still No.1.

Chilwell is undeniably a better player than Cucurella; when the former is fit and on form he is a top class player. There are certainly issues and conversations that can be had about being able to remain healthy and fit, but for the purpose of this piece, when fit, the ex-Leicester City man is chosen to start over Cucurella.