35. Cesar Azpilicueta: 2012-Present
How many players on this list have made it while playing nearly their entire career out of position? After joining in 2012 for around £7 million from Marseille, Cesar Azpilicueta played much of his first season on the right flank. However he has been deployed as a left-back since Jose Mourinho returned to the club in 2013 and has not looked back. He even displaced club great Ashley Cole from the position and did so well that he made the PFA Team of the Year in the spot.
In the long list of great fullbacks that have worn the Chelsea shirt, the man known as “Dave” is climbing the rankings. He has already lifted the Europa League and Premier League with the club and is well on his way to becoming a fixture in West London for the rest of his career.
At just 26-years-old, Azpilicueta is one of the younger members of this list, and although he is in a bit of rough patch currently, he should have no problem making his way up the list. Many supporters have called for him to return to his natural position, the one he played so well in 2012 and currently with the Spanish national team, but his ability to play well on both flanks and his quiet acceptance of his role speaks volumes about his quality.
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