Cesar Azpilicueta is Chelsea’s man for all occasions
By Vishnu Raj
In the summer of 2012, when all the attention was on the big money signings of Eden Hazard and Oscar, Chelsea signed Cesar Azpilicueta for a modest £7 million.
Cesar Azpilicueta was signed as an understudy for Chelsea’s first choice right back Branislav Ivanovic after the season had started. It took him almost a month to debut for the Blues. His full Premier League debut came more than 2 months after he signed for Chelsea. There was no looking back for him after that.
When Ashley Cole was injured in the following season under Jose Mourinho, Azpilicueta was moved to the left of the back four. Even after Cole’s recovery, Mourinho preferred Azpilicueta. It was during this period that the boss made this memorable remark.
"Azpilicueta is the kind of player I like a lot. I think a team with 11 Azpilicuetas would probably win the competition (Champions League) because football is not just about pure talent – via Daily Mail"
Azpilicueta continued his tenure at the left back position during the following season as well. His understanding with Eden Hazard was crucial in Chelsea’s success that year. The following campaign, he played mostly as either a left back or a right back. He even had a stint at centre back in 2015-16.
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Though Azpilcueta started the season for Antonio Conte as a left back, once he switched to the 3-4-3, the Spaniard was his preferred player on the right hand side of the defence. He played at right wingback as well when the situation required. On Saturday, for example, Conte turned to Azpilicueta to fill in at left wingback once Marcos Alonso went off.
He is capable of playing at various positions without a fuss. That makes him a very important cog in the wheel at Chelsea. He has been the go-to man for the club’s managers. Conte appointed Azpilicueta as the vice-captain for Chelsea in the beginning of the season, which is a testament to his qualities. The Blues have so far won every match he has lead in the absence of Gary Cahill.
Furthermore, he has already formed a great understanding with Alvaro Morata on and off the field. Of the 6 goals Morata has scored, 4 of them have been assisted by Azpilicueta.
Azpilicueta remains one of the most underrated players in the world. Even after a string of remarkable campaigns he is yet to be a part of the Premier League team of the year. He was excluded from the recent 55-man FIFPro shortlist as well.
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‘Dave’, as Chelsea fans affectionately call him, extended his stay in West London until 2020 in December last year. He will continue to give his all for Chelsea without being concerned with things happening elsewhere. Five years ago, almost to the day, he played his first game for Chelsea and fans can look forward to watching him continue in a blue shirt for a long time.