DAVID DE GEA: In the Premier League, only Tottenham have conceded fewer goals than Man United this season. As impressive as the Red Devils’ backline has been in general, they also have the benefit of playing in front of one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
César Azpilicueta: Slotted in seamlessly to the back three of a mean Chelsea defence, the Spaniard is also useful in attack when he gets the chance to go forward, as he showed last Friday night with an assist for Michy Batshuayi’s title-clinching goal at West Brom.
David Luiz: There were plenty of raised eyebrows when Chelsea re-signed the defender, with question marks over whether Conte wanted him in the first place, but Luiz has silenced more than a few critics with some commanding displays at the heart of the Londoners’ defence.
Toby Alderweireld: Part of the best backline in the Premier League statistically, making 41 appearances in all competitions, it’s no surprise to see the defender being linked with a move to Inter, though Mauricio Pochettino has insisted he will stay at Tottenham for the foreseeable future.
Danny Rose: Was badly missed by Tottenham in the end-of-season run-in, Rose epitomises the modern Premier League player with his incredible speed and athleticism down the left-hand side of the pitch.
N’Golo Kante: One of a select band of players to win back-to-back titles with different clubs, it’s no coincidence that Leicester have wilted while Chelsea have thrived following the French midfielder’s £32million move to the latter side in the summer.
Mousa Dembele: An underrated presence in the heart of Tottenham’s midfield, Dembele’s ball-carrying ability and general technical prowess greatly complemented the more robust qualities of Victor Wanyama alongside him.
Alexis Sanchez: It’s been a poor season for Arsenal in general, but Alexis Sanchez can hold his head up high. In a less than vintage Gunners team, the Chile international registered 21 goals and 10 assists — no Premier League player has been involved in more goals overall.
Eden Hazard: Played a pivotal part in Chelsea winning the title, as Hazard made the difference time and again for the Blues. After a disappointing campaign last year, the extra freedom from defensive responsibilities that manager Antonio Conte afforded him paid dividends as the Belgian international hit career-best form.
Dele Alli: Alli has just turned 21 yet he is already one of the Premier League’s top attackers. The youngster this season has managed 17 goals and five assists (as many as Zlatan Ibrahimovic), as Spurs secured their highest points tally and best-ever Premier League finish.
Romelu Lukaku: Picking a striker for this team isn’t easy. Harry Kane, Diego Costa, Sergio Aguero and Zlatan Ibrahimovic could all stake reasonable claims for the number one spot. In the end, Lukaku edges it, mainly because he’s scored more goals than anyone else playing for a team outside of the top six.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Azpilicueta Luiz Alderweireld Rose.
Kante Dembele
Sanchez Alli Hazard
Lukaku
Subs: Thibaut Courtois, Jan Vertonghen, Marcos Alonso, Victor Wanyama, Sadio Mane, Kevin De Bruyne, Harry Kane.
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