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          Matic key to Chelsea's title chase

          Holding midfielder Nemanja Matic has been instrumental in Chelsea's success this season. IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images
          • Adrian Melville, ESPN Insider
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            • Joined ESPN in 2013 as a soccer Insider
            • Worked previously at NBC, Major League Soccer and Opta (UK)
            • Played college soccer at Princeton and professionally for the New England Revolution and Santo Andre, a second-division club in Brazil
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          Jan 19, 2015, 12:30 PM ET

          Chelsea's consistent play this season on both the attacking and defensive sides of the ball has been impressive, and the team is well-positioned to maintain its place at the top of the Premier League. The Blues are led by high-profile attacking names such as Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, while on the defensive side experienced leaders such as central defender John Terry are being supported by young stars such as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.