Can you help out a stupid American?

As an American who grew up playing football (soccer here), I still love the sport. Unfortunately, it's difficult to follow the goings on of the EPL or any other international play for that matter. I think if I had one team that I decided to root for, then I would be able to follow what was going on more closely. But I don't know which squad to root for. I sometimes find myself rooting for Chelsea (mostly because Joe Cole has brilliant ball skills). But I think that might be like rooting for one of the clear favorites...jumping on the bandwagon in America. I also appreciate excellent defense particularly from central defenders as that's my background in the sport. If there are good Dutch players on a squad that helps too. I like Newcastle, but mostly because I like the ale. I've also thought about Tottenham, because I like the jersey. I'm lost. Who should be my squad?