"?As 2016 draws to a close and everybody prepares to celebrate the arrival of 2017, it's that time of year when all sorts of weird and wonderful stats are unearthed.
Thankfully, the "?Mirror have not let us down after announcing the Premier League player who has had the most touches of the ball throughout 2016.
Let's be honest, it's an absolute humdinger which many are keen to know, but whilst many fans would look to traditional playmakers such as Arsenal's Mesut Ozil or Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, they may be surprised to hear that it is in fact a defender who holds the record.
Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta has touched the ball a record 2,875 times, leaving Ozil in second place after the German could only muster a mere 2,797 touches of the ball during Premier League matches in 2016.
No Premier League defender has completed more passes than Cesar Azpilicueta (969) so far this season.
Ball-playing centre back. pic.twitter.com/9n7HqUkDg1
The shocks keep on coming as Bournemouth centre-back and captain Simon Francis sits third on the list, although some normality is restored with Tottenham ace Christian Eriksen in fourth and Everton's Idrissa Gueye fifth.
Of course, Azpilicueta can still add to his yearly tally on New Years eve where league leaders Chelsea host Stoke City.
The Spaniard won't have to worry too much about being caught though, as Ozil's Arsenal don't play until New Years day so whilst it would be slightly premature for him to celebrate, it is almost confirmed that Azpilicueta has officially touched the ball more times in 2016 than any other Premier League player.
Congratulations 'Dave'!