This is the rating of Chelsea Players who made appearances for the Blues on their way to picking the Premier League title.
The ratings are those of Dominic Fifield for The Guardian, but do you agree with them?
Thibaut Courtois
Position Goalkeeper League appearances 35 Clean sheets 16
A source of reassurance with his form restored to that of the title-winning season under José Mourinho. There have been eye-catching saves, most notably in a stunning performance at Sunderland, and a fine understanding with his backline.
Rating 8/10
Asmir Begovic
Position Goalkeeper League appearances 1 Clean sheets 0
Agitated for a move in January, which is understandable given he is no understudy. Was called upon only once in the league, in a defeat at Old Trafford, but always boasted the pedigree to step in when required.
Rating 6/10
César Azpilicueta
Position Centre-back, right-back, right wing-back League appearances 36 Goals 0
Chelsea’s Mr Reliable. Never flustered, invariably in command, and perfect for the right-sided centre-back role Conte envisaged in a back three. He has pace and, as demonstrated with an assist at Selhurst Park, his passing was always assured.
Rating 8/10
David Luiz
Position Centre-back League appearances 32 Goals 1
Eyebrows were raised when he returned from Paris Saint-Germain, but the Brazilian had matured in France. No longer the error-prone cavalier defender of his first spell at the club, he has benefited from two colleagues close-by and excelled as the central pivot.
Rating 8/10
Gary Cahill
Position Centre-back League appearances 36 Goals 6
The England defender’s timely goals, particularly during the run-in, were reminiscent of Terry in his pomp. This campaign will be a personal triumph for a player who has maintained his place when many thought he was on the wane.
Rating 7/10
Victor Moses
Position Right wing-back League appearances 33 (5 as sub) Goals 3
Few would have envisaged the Nigeria international, a veteran of three long-term loan spells in as many years, becoming key at Stamford Bridge, but Conte was attracted to his energy and eagerness to learn. Thrived as a right wing-back in the 3-4-3 to prove his doubters wrong.
Rating 7/10
Ola Aina
Position Right wing-back League appearances 2 (both as sub) Goals 0
The young defender might have envisaged slotting into the right wing-back role, only for Moses to claim that as his own. He has remained around the squad but may seek more regular first-team football on loan next season.
Rating 5/10
Marcos Alonso
Position Left wing-back League appearances 30 (1 as sub) Goals 6
Another surprise signing, but a player who tapped into previous experiences in the Premier League to slot seamlessly into the left wing-back role. His set-piece delivery has been vicious, his energy and ability to supplement attack and defence invaluable.
Rating 8/10
John Terry
Position Centre-back League appearances 7 (3 as sub) Goals 0
A frustrating year for the outgoing captain, who lost his place initially through injury but was never entirely trusted in Conte’s revamped formation. He effectively acted as an understudy for David Luiz but will still go out with a fifth Premier League title and as a club icon.
Rating 5/10
Kurt Zouma
Position Centre-back League appearances 8 (6 as sub) Goals 0
Returned from a long-term knee injury and has largely been used from the bench when Conte has been seeking to stifle games late on. Still to recover form and is likely to be loaned out next season to gain further first-team experience.
Rating 5/10
Branislav Ivanovic
Position Right-back League appearances 13 (7 as sub) Goals 0
A victim of the manager’s tactical switch, but a player whose powers had been on the wane for a while. His departure mid-season for Zenit St Petersburg – a good move for all concerned – was confirmed almost on the quiet, which felt unfair for a player of his pedigree and status.
Rating 5/10
Nathan Aké
Position Centre-back, left wing-back League appearances 1 (as a sub) Goals 0
The youngster had impressed to such an extent at Bournemouth over the first half of the season that he was recalled in January to provide cover. Yet opportunities have been limited, and there may be a fresh start in the summer.
Rating 5/10
Nathaniel Chalobah
Position Centre-back, central midfield League appearances 9 (all as sub) Goals 0
Has performed capably in cameos, without threatening to dislodge Kanté or any of the three first-choice centre-backs. Feels more part of the first-team set-up these days, but how long will he wait on the periphery?
Rating 5/10
N’Golo Kanté
Position Central midfield League appearances 33 Goals 1
A key player in Leicester City’s title triumph last term, and equally effective when drafted into Chelsea’s midfield. A blur of interceptions and feverish work-rate, protecting his backline and kickstarting the team’s forays up-field.
Rating 9/10
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Position Central midfield, forward League appearances 6 (all as sub) Goals 0
Another youngster whose appearances have been few and far between. Has played a more advanced role than under previous Chelsea managers when picked, and will have learned at training under Conte, but the England Under-21 international needs games.
Rating 5/10
Oscar
Position Attacking midfield League appearances 9 (4 as sub) Goals 0
His season had been interrupted by a family bereavement, but there was no obvious way of slotting the Brazilian into Conte’s formation. Although he worked hard when picked, he failed to influence games. The fee secured from Shanghai SIPG in January could not be turned down.
Rating 5/10
Nemanja Matic
Position Central midfield League appearances 35 (5 as sub) Goals 1
Every time his days have felt numbered, the Serbia international has responded. Has been first choice in central midfield alongside Kanté, offering more defensive nous and solidity than Fàbregas. His contribution, like that of Cahill, can go unheralded.
Rating 7/10
Cesc Fàbregas
Position Central midfield League appearances 27 (15 as sub) Goals 4
Has found it tough being utilised off the bench but has never complained and, when called upon, invariably proves influential with assists and goals. He has contributed to 104 Premier League goals. If he leaves this summer, there will be no shortage of suitors.
Rating 7/10
Willian
Position Forward League appearances 32 (19 as sub) Goals 7
Player of the year when Chelsea laboured last term, the Brazilian found his progress interrupted this time round first by a family bereavement and then, more latterly, as a victim of Pedro’s resurgent form. Yet he still makes a mark whenever involved.
Rating 7/10
Pedro Rodríguez
Position Forward, right wing-back League appearances 33 (7 as sub) Goals 8
Unrecognisable from the player who so struggled last year having joined from Barcelona. Pedro has been a regular source of goals and Conte has tapped into his industry, using him up and down the right flank. A winger revived.
Rating 8/10
Eden Hazard
Position Forward League appearances 34 Goals 15
Now free of the hip complaints which helped anchor his form last term, the Belgian has revelled in a 3-4-3 which has liberated him from onerous defensive duties. Combines creative spark with gliding menace and his goal tally has eclipsed that of 2014-15 when he was the division’s outstanding talent.
Rating 9/10
Michy Batshuayi
Position Centre-forward League appearances 18 (all as sub) Goals 2
Signed for a considerable fee from Marseille, and initially bright off the bench, Batshuayi’s career has rather stagnated, although he will go down as the man who won Chelsea the title. He has yet to start a league game, with Hazard even preferred as a false No9 when Costa has been absent. Conte is clearly unconvinced the Belgian is ready to make his mark in English football.
Rating 5/10
Diego Costa
Position Centre-forward League appearances 34 Goals 20
Bullies defenders when at his most focused, and he has proved prolific, particularly up to Christmas. Interest from China unsettled the Spain forward mid-season and will be revived in the summer, but Conte refused to indulge him and insisted his goals in the run-in would prove “decisive”. The Italian has been proved right.
Rating 8/10
