Currently, Chelsea have ten defenders in their squad with the club hopeful of signing two more centre-backs this summer.
Before the season starts, we will be ranking players in every position from worst to best. Let's start with the defenders in the squad right now.
Worst
Malang Sarr: The centre-back started a few games for Chelsea last season as the regular starters were injured. However, Sarr performed poorly for the most part and he is definitely not someone who can start week in and week out for a title-contending team.
Average
Marcos Alonso: The left-back has his moments and is a good goalscoring threat at times but as far as his defensive abilities are concerned, Alonso is far from world-class.
Emerson Palmieri: He has not played a game for Chelsea in quite some time and while he could be a decent back-up player, Emerson is certainly not starting level.
Good
Cesar Azpilicueta: The captain's performances have certainly declined as he gets older and slower. However, Azpi is still a dependable defender whose versatility and leadership skills are valuable to Chelsea.
Trevoh Chalobah: Chalobah barely makes the cut in this category. The centre-back's performances are a little inconsistent as he had a great start to the season but a poor ending. However, Chalobah's talent is clear for all to see and hopefully, he will keep getting better with time.
Ethan Ampadu: Ampadu has not yet played under Thomas Tuchel but he had a terrific loan spell at Venezia, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in 26 starts. He should be a valuable squad option next season.
Best
Kalidou Koulibaly: Not much explanation is needed here - Koulibaly is one of the world's best centre-backs and he is arguably the best defender Chelsea could have bought this summer to replace Antonio Rudiger.
Thiago Silva: A veteran of the game, Silva has been world-class for Chelsea in his two seasons here and is the team's defensive leader.
Reece James: Sky is the limit for Reece, who was involved in more goals than any other fullback in the Premier League last season. In England, no one is as complete a defender as Reece.
Ben Chilwell: His injury cost Chelsea a lot of points last season as he is so valuable - Chilwell was in the form of his life and will be hoping to continue that in the coming campaign.
