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Chelsea started the season in a similar vein to how they ended the previous one - with commanding victories and performances. The west London club looked unstoppable at the start of the season. They occupied the top spot in the league standings early as they racked up clean sheets.
Based on their team's early form, Chelsea were expected to follow their European crown with a first domestic league title in five years. Notably, this is the longest the club has gone without one in the Roman Abramovich era.
Chelsea, though, suffered a dip in form around the festive period. The Blues began conceding goals, something that seemed unlikely with Edouard Mendy in goal just a few weeks earlier. Suddenly, Thomas Tuchel's ruthless side dropped key points - they have one win in their last four league games.
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However, it is far from doom and gloom at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are third in the league standings, six points adrift of leaders Manchester City. Meanwhile, they have qualified for the Round of 16 in the Champions League, where they'll face French outfit Lille.
The Blues have not had a poor campaign by any means. Despite their momentary stutter, they are still widely expected to clinch at least one major trophy come the end of the season.
Chelsea have a long list of players who have performed brilliantly this season. Considering the same, manager Thomas Tuchel will have a tough task giving all these players the game time they deserve. On that note, here's a look at the Blues' top five players so far this season:
#5 Antonio Rudiger | Chelsea defender
Chelsea's defensive performances have improved dramatically under Thomas Tuchel. The German tactician has Antonio Rudiger to thank for that. Although the star's contract has been the talk of Stamford Bridge in recent months, Rudiger has continued to impress for the Blues.
The German international has been key in Chelsea's push for a second Champions League trophy in two years. He featured in five of six group games, assisting a goal.
The centre-back's presence in the Premier League has also added strength to Chelsea's defence. He has played in nearly all their league games this season. Rudiger has scored two goals, and has led a world-class defence that has conceded just 12 goals in 18 games.
#4 Jorginho | Chelsea midfielder
Jorginho has had a sumptuous calendar year, winning the European Championship with Italy after lifting the Champions League with Chelsea. The Italy international has been the rock at the heart of Tuchel's midfield. The 30-year-old has scored four goals in the Premier League this season.
His Champions League outings have also been fruitful, with the deep-lying playmaker registering two goals in five appearances.
Jorginho may have joined Chelsea with Maurizio Sarri to help integrate Sarri-ball. However, he has since evolved into a world-class midfielder and a strong Ballon d'Or contender. Although he has struggled with injuries this season, Tuchel will need the Italian's services if the club are to rediscover their early-season mojo.
#3 Eduoard Mendy | Chelsea goalkeeper
Chelsea's Eduoard Mendy was highly tipped to win the Lev Yashin trophy for his world-class goalkeeping exploits this year.
The Senegalese international missed out on the award, which eventually went to Euro 2020 winner Gianluigi Donnarumma. However, Mendy's brilliance between the sticks - which saw Chelsea win the Champions League - has continued unabated.
Like club legend Petr Cech, Mendy has had 35 clean sheets in his first 60 games for Chelsea.
This season, Eduoard Mendy has managed eight clean sheets in 17 Premier League games. Thanks to his exploits, Chelsea have lost just two games in the league this season.
#2 Reece James | Chelsea defender
The versatile and brilliant Reece James has easily slotted into different roles - from centre-back and right-back to even central midfield - this season.
The full-back began the season in fine fashion, bagging three assists and a goal in his first five games. It's been a while he scored a goal - back in November, against Juventus - but that hasn't slowed James down. In fact, since his goal against the Bianconeri, he has played every minute of every Chelsea game.
England manager Gareth Southgate has been forced to choose between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James. Both of them are capable of impacting games in the final third.
Much of Southgate's headache has stemmed from James' brilliance and consistency for the Blues so far. Reece James has played 14 Premier League games for Chelsea, alongside four in the Champions League, bagging five goals and as many assists.
#1 Mason Mount | Chelsea attacker
It's little surprise that Mason Mount is the only attacker on this list. Other Chelsea attackers and midfielders have either struggled with consistency or dealt with injuries. Mount has been the most consistent and efficient among them all for Thomas Tuchel's side.
In 16 league games this season, Mount has bagged seven goals and four assists. In fact, in Chelsea's last six games across competitions, Mount has directly contributed six goals. The 22-year-old may have had a quiet start to his campaign. However, after his hat-trick against Norwich, Mount has oozed class for the Blues.
