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For a manager that is best known for a high attacking philosophy, Chelsea's defense was truly the story of the preseason.

In all seven games, they gave up a grand total of one goal, to Rangers in the last game. No other top tier team in the world is able to make such a claim.

What is even more is how it was done. Opponents had very few opportunities to score at all. They dominated possession, and even when they turned the ball over, strong tackles from the backs kept threats to a minimal. Hilario and Turnbull often found themselves doing nothing more than directing traffic in most games.

An argument can definitely be made that the competition was not of the highest quality, but you can only beat the team that you play. Even with that said it is still quite a feat to keep meaningful scoring opportunities against any professional team to less than two a game. Ranger's goal even went against the run of play on a counter attack.

John Terry, Slobodan Rajkovic, Branislav Ivanovic, Ryan Bertrand, Patrick Van Aanholt, Alex, Kalas, Ashley Cole, Jose Bonsingwa and Paulo Ferreira all rotated in and out of games and all played well defensively. This group had the best defensive record in the league last season and have already looked as if they have improved.

Not to mention, David Luiz has yet to play under Villa-Boas.