Five most impactful Chelsea players of the Roman Abramovich era
5. Cesar Azpilicueta (Defender)
Cesar Azpilicueta arrived at Chelsea from Marseille in the summer of the 2012/13 season. He would go on to become the most crucial utility player in the history of football. No, I’m not exaggerating. Most utility players are fringe players that come in for whoever is injured, in whatever position—not Azpilicueta. Azpilicueta was a key player for the Blues under different managers, but also a utility player.
The Spaniard came in as a left back, and by the time he was captain of the team eight years later, people barely remembered he was originally a left back. This is because several managers had moved Azpilicueta to other positions across the back line and the Blues’ skipper had done just as well. In fact, in his first season, he played almost exclusively as a right back under Spanish manager Rafa Benitez. In his second season, under Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, he played predominantly as a left back, playing 31 games as a left back and 11 games as a right back. The following campaign—the 2014/15 season—Azpilicueta played as a left back en route to winning Chelsea’s fourth Premier League title.
Fast forward three years later, in comes Antonio Conte. In Conte’s first season, Azpilicueta played 38 league games a right centerback en route to winning Chelsea’s fifth Premier League title with the club. In the 2018/19 season, Azpilicueta played exclusively as a right back on the way to winning Chelsea’s second Europa League title. Those are three trophies Azpilicueta won playing three different positions. In fact, Azpilicueta has made more than 100 appearances at left back, right back and centerback each for the Blues. He’s also played 30+ games as a right wingback and occasionally pops up as a left wingback when called upon. That’s versatility personified!
Azpilicueta, so far, has made 469 appearances for Chelsea. He has played key roles in nine major trophies. They are: two Premier League titles, one FA Cup title, one League Cup title, one Champions League title, two Europa League titles, one Super Cup and one FIFA Club World Cup. There is no person currently in the squad more fitting to wear the armband for the Blues when they step onto the pitch. Azpilicueta is known for his incredible work rate, tenacity, intelligence, passion and leadership by example.