Cesar Azpilicueta: An Unsung hero in Chelsea’s resurgence

Hard worker

The former Osasuna defender  worked hard and earned his place in Jose’s team as a left-back, a position which was pristine for him.

Mourinho was a huge admirer of Azpilicueta, he even went as far as to say, “I will win Champions League with 11 Azpilicuetas.”

For younger players, Azpilicueta is a role model for his work ethic and hard training regime. He is first to arrive in the training pitch and the last to leave. It’s no wonder even Chelsea’s new coach Conte was impressed with the player’s dedication.

The Italian boss arrived at Cobham with an aim to play ‘Dave’ as a left-back in his 4-3-3 formation for The Blues.

However, after two huge setbacks successively against Liverpool and Arsenal, Conte resorted to playing three at the back.

The trickiest thing for the Italian manager was to find the third central defender – with doubts over John Terry’s suitability to a back three.

Against all the odds, his choice of a right side centre-back was a certain Spaniard.