Gary Neville: 'Cesar Azpilicueta is best defender in Premier League'

Gary Neville has expressed his belief that Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta is the best defender in the Premier League.

The Blues have the second-best defensive record in the league this season as they have conceded 10 goals in their 10 matches, and Neville feels that the Spaniard's consistency separates him from his teammates at Stamford Bridge.

"I'd say, for consistency of performances, it would be one of the Chelsea lads and I'd probably say Azpilicueta," Neville told Sky Sports News.

"For technical defending, not making a mistake, not being in the wrong position, not getting caught out... I don't see him making a mistake. And I have to say the Chelsea defenders aren't far behind him; Gary Cahill, John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic.

"But Azpilicueta, when I watch him, he's as near to perfect as possible when it comes to defending; he's immaculate."

The 25-year-old joined Chelsea in 2012 from Marseille.