Leonardo is living proof that judgements are sometimes best reserved for a later date. The Viterbo-born centre-back improved game after game, finding his niche in a three-man defence.

The 25-year-old became a focal point of the championship’s strongest rearguard, combining strength and elegance with the ability to score vital goals. His strikes against Fiorentina and Palermo were crucial in setting the Bianconeri on their way to all three points, while the assist for Vucinic against Cagliari paved the way for a memorable night of Scudetto celebrations.

The statistics are further evidence of Bonucci’s rapid development under the guidance of Antonio Conte. He dispossessed the opposition on 545 occasions and made 340 interceptions.