We now have a rather vast football-shaped hole in our lives after the culmination to the Premier League season on Sunday.
Because this summer, given the lack of a major tournament to feast our eyes upon, is a little different to last year.
Chelsea are champions, Tottenham ‘applied the pressure’ once again but fell short and Hull, Middlesbrough and Sunderland are all saying goodbye to the top flight.
All week we’ll be reviewing the season and the best players throughout the campaign according to Dream Team points scored.
Today it’s the turn of the defenders.
After you, Cesar…
1 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea) – 189 points
Azpilicueta was astonishingly snubbed from the PFA Team of the Year, but he’s been fully recognised by Dream Team and WhoScored’s algorithm after a stellar season for the champions.
Featuring on the right side of a defensive three, the Spaniard has been Mr Consistent from day one with his no-nonsense style and incomparable desire.
Any young defenders should watch and learn from the man they call ‘Dave’.
2 Gary Cahill (Chelsea) – 179
Cahill misses out on top spot by a solitary point to his Chelsea team-mate, but he did make the PFA Team of the Year. Go figure.
The England centre-back has been just as effective in the opponent’s penalty area as in his own this season, scoring eight goals in all competitions for the Blues.
Many thought he’d make way this season or be used more on a rotational basis, so they way he’s responded has been incredible.
3 Nicolas Otamendi (Man City) – 174
Otamendi might not be the most secure defender but he’s a real favourite with WhoScored‘s algorithm.
The Argentine centre-back is a regular fixture under Pep Guardiola, playing 40 times in all competitions alongside either John Stones or Vincent Kompany.
City’s high percentage of possession means Otamendi sees a lot of the ball, which on the Dream Team game means points at a plenty.
4 Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham) – 172
Perhaps surprisingly the only Spurs player to make the top five, Vertonghen has at times even outshone compatriot Toby Alderweireld this season.
The connection and relationship between the two and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris have produced an incredible 17 clean sheets in all competitions.
Spurs have conceded just 24 goals all season and their backline really does look set for years to come.
5 Marcos Alonso (Chelsea) – 170
Alonso has revelled in left wing-back role for the Blues and played a huge part in their revival when he was introduced at half time in the season-turning Arsenal defeat.
Since then he has gone onto score six times, making him the joint top-scoring defender in the league alongside Cahill, and produce three assists.
Can’t wait for next season? Here’s everything you need to know about the Dream Team game – which will be back and better than ever in 2017/18.