Gary Cahill is England's best defender, according to Chelsea captain John Terry.

Cahill, who was named alongside Terry in the PFA Premier League team of the season on Sunday, was commanding at Arsenal as Chelsea edged a point closer to being crowned English champions for the fifth time.

And his fellow centre half was full of praise for the 29-year-old – who has not always been boss Jose Mourinho's first choice this season with the Portuguese coach preferring Kurt Zouma.

“He is a big character,” said Terry. “He was obviously disappointed to be left out, but he has come back and taken his chance again.

“He has been different class and is England's best centre back. For me he has been brilliant all season long.

“The manager has taken him out and stuff, but for me he has been different class. In these big games he has a lot of experience and he steps up to the plate.”

As well as Cahill and Terry the PFA team included fellow Chelsea stars Diego Costa, Nemanja Matic, Branislav Ivanovic and Eden Hazard – the latter being named Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.