10 best defenders in Europe from the 2016/17 season

#8 Gary Cahill - Chelsea

Cahill played a true leader’s role in Chelsea’s run to the Premier League title

It was a season of reckoning for the 31-year-old at Stamford Bridge. Cahill had often been criticised for his positioning sense in the past but he dismissed those claims this season as he played with purpose and captained his side to the league crown.

Cahill was a leader for Chelsea on the pitch with his old school defending often coming to the team's rescue. He struggled with the ball at his feet but made up with timely tackles and his ability to throw his body on the line for a block. The 31-year-old averaged 4.8 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game in the Premier League.

He does not possess the same skill set as John Terry but Chelsea have surely found their next captain in Gary Cahill.