Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta, the Club World Cup and completion

There has been a genuine focus on Chelsea club captain Cesar Azpilicueta throughout the last few days in Abu Dhabi. The skipper has won in abundance since making the famous £7 million switch from Marseille to London back in 2012. He’s played a role in lifting an astonishing eight trophies (Premier League x2, Champions League, Europa League x2, Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup) during his last decade with the Blues. The one trophy that has escaped his grasp this entire time has been that of the FIFA Club World Cup.

Chelsea booked its place in the final of the aforementioned competition midweek with a 1-0 win over Al Hilal. As Thomas Tuchel’s men prepare to take on Palmeiras with a trophy on the line, the first name on the teamsheet is that of the Spaniard. Azpilicueta transcends formation. He makes his way into almost any starting XI in the world when the lights shine brightest. He’s been a man for the big occasion for the last 10 years while proudly sporting the badge of The Pride of London. The captain will get what is likely to be his final shot at capturing that elusive piece of silverware on Saturday evening in the United Arab Emirates.

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has a chance to complete his trophy case with the Blues at the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday against Palmeiras

The narrative throughout the current campaign has centered around Chelsea’s club captain completing his trophy collection with the Club World Cup. He’s the last remaining member of the Blues’ failed 2012 Club World Cup run, but that only accounts for some of the whispers. There has been a lot of emotion surrounding the situation and one doesn’t need to look far to find out why that’s the case. Azpilicueta’s current contract is up at the end of the season. He and the board have agreed to shelve extension negotiations in order for the skipper to focus on his football.

However, as the days drag on, it becomes more and more likely that the Chelsea icon will depart the club in the summer. A switch to Barcelona is on the table. It would be a wonderful opportunity for the Spaniard to join the largest club in his home country, if not the world. There’s no telling what conversations Azpilicueta has had with teammates in the dressing room, but chances are he hasn’t gone around revealing his decision. It’s unlikely he’s even made up his mind completely.

This divvies from the Hollywood film plot many often create with their imaginations. In a perfect world the Blues would come out of the tunnel on Saturday screaming “remember Azpi!” at the top of their lungs to resemble the brave defenders of the Alamo. For the record, I’m not ruling that event out, it would just be a much less passionate rally cry if he’s revealed his plans to stay next season. The one they call Dave will still lead his men into battle on Saturday, that part we do know.

Azpilicueta has the opportunity to achieve something that no other Chelsea player—much less any other club captain—has done in history. There was a legitimate conversation to be had about his status as a Blues legend before last season and little push back on the suggestion after he lifted the Champions League. Alas, if the 32-year-old can guide his side to a win at the weekend, his legendary status will be forever cemented in the Blues’ history books.

A win over Palmeiras will see his Chelsea career come full circle in a way. It began in 2012 with a loss to Corinthians in the Club World Cup final. He went on to win every competition possible (except one), rack up eight trophies and earn the captaincy during his 458 appearances since that defeat. Now, Azpilicueta has the chance to kickstart the conclusion of his time in west London with a win over a Brazilian powerhouse in the same game—one decade later. One last trophy during what could be his final goodbye. It’s no Hollywood movie script, it’s Azpilicuetean poetry.

Do you think Azpilicueta completes his trophy case? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!