Just under two weeks ago, Chelsea was crowned champions of England with their second Premier League title in three years. The year in-between their successes was tumultuous, to say the least, with reports of unrest amongst players. Results didn't fare any better on the pitch and ultimately cost Jose Mourinho his job in December 2015.

Antonio Conte was appointed his successor last summer and things started brightly for the Italian with three wins in as many games. However, the honeymoon period came to an abrupt end the following month. Chelsea only picked up a solitary point in September - a 2-2 draw at Swansea.

They lost back-to-back games to Liverpool and Arsenal respectively that saw them positioned in eighth place at the end of the month.

The Arsenal defeat was the turning point in the Blues' campaign as Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation that was so successful for his Juventus side. It proved dividends from the get go as Chelsea equalled Arsenal's 13 consecutive wins in a single season.

Hail Cesar

The tactical shift by Conte saw Chelsea employ a back three pairing of Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill and David Luiz for the majority of the campaign. The trio was flanked by two wing backs; namely Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses. Eyebrows were raised with the inclusion of the duo as up until then both players had promising but nomadic careers.

The wing backs thrived under the Italian's new system, giving them more width and energy on the flank that could create an overload in attack and when need be, make the Chelsea defence more resolute. Many Chelsea players have had a superb campaign: N'Golo Kante, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa etc. In spite of all the offensive acumen that Conte has at his disposal, the player of the season for me has been Cesar Azpilicueta.

The 27-year old has been indispensable to Chelsea once again this year. Since his arrival five years ago, the Osasuna youth product has virtually played across the whole back line. A natural right-back, Azpilicueta usurped Ashley Cole, the long-time incumbent left-back for Chelsea in the 2013-14 season. His performances earned him the Chelsea Players' Player of the year.

During that campaign, Jose Mourinho said that 11 Azpilicueta's could win the Champions League. High praise indeed from The Special One.

Fast forward back to this year and the Spanish international has excelled once again in the unfamiliar position of centre back. He is arguably the best one-on-one defender in the game as many cannot seem to shackle the willpower of the defender. It is no surprise that the Blues did not concede in six consecutive Premier League games.

Durable Dave

With the departure of stalwart John Terry, Dave, as Azpilicueta is affectionately known by the Stamford Bridge faithful could be an option as the new skipper. This, however, is unlikely as Gary Cahill has deputised for Terry for the majority of the season.

On the other hand, he may be given the role of vice-captain by Conte.

Azpilicueta has been ever present for the champions this year, as he is the only member of the team to have played every minute of every Premier League game this season and one of five players in the entire league.

Despite being a pundits favourite, Azpilicueta was not featured in the PFA team of the year. Nonetheless, perhaps this befits the unassuming Azpilicueta who arrived in west London for a modest £7 million in 2012. Some bargain that was!
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