Right back, left back, centre back: What is Cesar Azpilicueta’s next act for Chelsea?

Cesar Azpilicueta surprised everyone by not only filling in at centre-back, but by performing at a consistently high level at that position this season. But now that opponents are catching on to his vulnerabilities, he will need to find new ways to stay relevant in future squads.

Cesar Azpilicueta has exceeded all expectations for a 1.78-meter right back-turned-left back-turned centre-back. He wins a large percentage of the aerial duels that come his way, and can repulse an attack in the air nearly as well as on the ground.

Even so, his height is making Chelsea’s right side a target for the opposition. Liverpool’s goal came off a cross from the right that sailed over and past Azpilicueta. Tottenham attacked Chelsea with crosses from both sides, ultimately resulting in two goals.

If Azpilicueta’s height was the only liability on Chelsea’s back line, he and the Blues would not have a problem. But Gary Cahill’s movement and David Luiz’s positional awareness combine with Azpilicueta’s stature to create a distinct pattern that Chelsea’s strongest opponents are learning to exploit.

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Nathan Ake’s recall from Bournemouth, Kurt Zouma’s return from injury and Andreas Christensen’s impending return from the Bundesliga all bode darkly for Azpilicueta as much as Gary Cahill. Each of those three youth players are the full package of centre-back attributes. Antonio Conte’s formations do not use a traditional right back, leaving Azpilicueta without a seat at the table next season.

"He is such a utility man that he is worth keeping in the side. He has potential as a defensive midfielder, in the most conservative way possible… If Victor Moses and Azpilicueta are willing to platoon the position, he could be perfect as a back-up wingback, a back-up centre-half and between those two roles be playing 20-30 games per season. – Barrett Rouen, The Blue Lions"

Azpilicueta may need to make another transition in order to stay active at Chelsea in the coming seasons. Squad rotation will become a larger factor with Chelsea’s return to the Champions League. That will open up more opportunities for him to demonstrate his versatility.

He may also imitate the example of his countryman, Cesc Fabregas. Fabregas emerged as the consummate professional this season. He spent weeks on the bench while Chelsea went on their record-setting winning streak. A transfer seemed likely as Fabregas did not appear to have a place in Antonio Conte’s plans.

Then Fabregas started against Manchester City. The world saw not only what Conte had in mind but how diligently Fabregas had worked despite his lack of minutes. Fabregas disproved his detractors by showing exactly the sort of professionalism and work ethic that defines Cesar Azpilicueta.

Cesar Azpilicueta will push himself to the limit to maintain his place in the squad. If that means learning a new position, he will arrive early, stay late and forego nights out to do so.

If he is unable to secure a starting role ahead of the youngsters or new transfers, he will apply himself just as hard to finding new ways to contribute to the team. Whether that is as a utility player, a mentor or a super-sub, Azpilicueta will find a way.

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A Cesar-less future is traumatic for many fans to envision. Fortunately, Azpilicueta will do everything in his inexhaustible power to ensure we will not face that prospect until he retires.