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Three big questions: Chelsea’s captain Cesar Azpilicueta

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League group H match between Chelsea FC and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on November 05, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea holds off Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2. How long can he keep Reece James at bay?

Reece James impressed mightily in the Championship. So much so that there were more than a few calls for him to go right into the starting XI. This is again tied to Azpilicueta not really being appreciated as he should be. Regardless, James was able to play plenty but he never really knocked Azpilicueta off the perch.

One of the main reasons for this was Azpilicueta often playing with James. The Englishman would take right back and Azpilicueta would line up either as a centerback (in a back three) or as a left back. Given Chelsea’s signing of Ben Chilwell and how the roster is shaping up, it is unlikely Azpilicueta is used as a make shift whatever he needs to be next season.

Related Story. Three big questions: Chelsea's Reece James and being heir apparent. light

So, the battle between James and Azpilicueta will continue. James has all the talent and potential, but it all remains a bit raw. He is good and he knows it, but that often leads to overconfidence and mistakes. He may surpass Azpilicueta as a player eventually, but right now the Spaniard has the experience and the talent to hold him off.

There will be plenty of games next season for the two to rotate in regardless. Azpilicueta offers the experience and the more conservative option whereas James is the attacking option with potential to improve. Some games will call for one more than the other. It will simply be up to Frank Lampard to decide who is best suited.

No one should really expect James to take up the majority of the minutes yet. The two will probably split time, but eventually that balance will shift.

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