Azpilicueta – We’ll Just Call Him Dave

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

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When the various player awards are handed out at the end of the season, it is unlikely that Cesar Azpilicueta will be in the running for any such accolade, and even less likely that the unassuming Spaniard will be the slightest bit bothered. Azpilicueta is first and foremost a team player. A manager’s dream, and increasingly a Mourinho ‘Untouchable’ even it is out of position at left-back, Azpilicueta is now one of the first names on the team sheet.

At the start of the season, the likeable Spaniard generally started on the bench, or at times in the stand. He was utilised as a late substitute to protect draws at Old Trafford and White Hart Lane. Indeed, it wasn’t until late October that he started to appear regularly on the team sheet when he started both Champions League games against Schalke, and helped keep clean sheets in both games. He was also part of the team, scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Arsenal in the Capital One Cup.

Since that game at The Emirates in late October, Azpilicueta has been pretty much an ever present in the Chelsea rear guard, generally at left-back, but also making occasional appearances in his preferred right-back position. You feel that he is the sort of player who would happily play in goal if asked, if it meant he was helping the team. His performances since winning his place in the team have been remarkably consistent when it is remembered he is playing out of position. Though his attacking prowess has been a little stymied by playing on the left, his positional sense, allied to decent pace have enabled him to become part of the Premiership’s meanest defence. Another attribute worth noting, is that he has only been booked once this season in 30 appearances, an impressive achievement for a full-back in the modern game.

Azpilicueta has quickly gained cult status amongst the regulars at Stamford Bridge, and has been nicknamed ‘Dave’ for reasons which are not exactly clear, and frankly don’t matter. What the supporters do recognise is that Chelsea are blessed with a very good full-back. Should it come to pass that Chelsea end the season on a high, then the consistent performances of Cesar Azpilicueta will have played a major part in that success. Hail Cesar.

CESAR AZPILICUETA 2013-14 (Up to and including Fulham 01.03.2014)

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