🇪🇸 César Azpilicueta

[CHOULO19 24,332]

If he doesn't switch to the right next season I think he never will and we'll buy Clyne or sth.

Tbh, I think that ship has already sailed, mate.

[CurlyHairLikeLuiz 1,625]

Tbh, I think that ship has already sailed, mate.

Beginning to think so too. Nothing wrong with that either.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Beginning to think so too. Nothing wrong with that either.

I that is because, with his unique style of defensing, Jose and the management think he's a better defender on the left than he is on the right, which is kind of true, imo.

[Tomo 21,751]

I that is because, with his unique style of defensing, Jose and the management think he's a better defender on the left than he is on the right, which is kind of true, imo.

I think the biggest clue is we are getting linked with RBs and not LBs (Cresswell aside but he will clearly be nothing beyond cover) is the biggest clue Cesar has LB on lockdown until he declines.

For all this Jose loves Ivanovic talks he is 100 times more likely to lose his place next season than Azpi.

[Rapkun 668]

Jose is playing Azpi on the left because he's nothing special in terms of attacking abilities. But he's most certainly the best defending fullback in the world. Combine that with the fact that Eden plays on the left thus making that side very fragile it's difficult to see Cesar moving to the right side anytime soon.

[BlueLyon 9,359]

IMO its all because of Eden.

One FB will be more offensive with more hardworking winger, the other more defensive with more free winger.

Unfortunely for Azpi, Hazard is on our left side and Azpi is best defender we have, plus his attacking is not something we would miss. All that combined, it makes sense why Mou is doing. However Hazard would benefit alot from more offensive fullback (like Marcelo for example), but team would be hit on counters.

Only question is who will eventualy replace Iva.

[Belgiannutt 3,201]

IMO its all because of Eden.

One FB will be more offensive with more hardworking winger, the other more defensive with more free winger.

Unfortunely for Azpi, Hazard is on our left side and Azpi is best defender we have, plus his attacking is not something we would miss. All that combined, it makes sense why Mou is doing. However Hazard would benefit alot from more offensive fullback (like Marcelo for example), but team would be hit on counters.

Only question is who will eventualy replace Iva.

I disagree. I think Terry is the main reason why Azpi plays on the left. Hazard's free(ish) role and not so great defensive abilities do play a part in this aswell but Terry's vulnerability against 1 on 1 situations is the main reason imo.

[Jase 43,479]

Cesar Azpilicueta to fight for Spain Euro 2016 place in upcoming Chelsea season

[termninja 5,290]

What's with this Azpi not good in attack? I remember some killer crosses from him before Jose put him on full defensice mod on the lb.

He's also pacy and can beat a man. Great at going forward imo bit obviously as a RB not LB.

[Polo7 3,496]

Diego Costa's goal against Liverpool showed what Azpi is capable of in attack. Shame he doesnt get the chance to do it more often.

[bethos1 802]

What's with this Azpi not good in attack? I remember some killer crosses from him before Jose put him on full defensice mod on the lb.

He's also pacy and can beat a man. Great at going forward imo bit obviously as a RB not LB.

And that's why he should play as a RB, he's only good for defending when he's playing on the left.

[Tomo 21,751]

Diego Costa's goal against Liverpool showed what Azpi is capable of in attack. Shame he doesnt get the chance to do it more often.

Finally someone on the same page, he isn't incapable in attack he's told to stay back because Ivanovic basically plays like a winger.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Finally someone on the same page, he isn't incapable in attack he's told to stay back because Ivanovic basically plays like a winger.

And because JT doesn't have the pace to cover for him if he goes forward.

[termninja 5,290]

And that's why he should play as a RB, he's only good for defending when he's playing on the left.

With Ivanovic 32 in February I think we all know who is our next RB. Problem is that we need to sort out the LB position before that though.

[Unionjack 7,531]

With Ivanovic 32 in February I think we all know who is our next RB. Problem is that we need to sort out the LB position before that though.

And Im thinking it should be sooner rather than later. Id also swap Cahill out this season - either with a TOP CB we get this season or Zouma.

But we are going to be in deep shit IMHO as with 3 of our back 4 on 1 year contracts (with Filip 4) and with JT more than likely being his last season with him not wanting to go out like Drogs.

Im of thoughts wanting to get a young back 4 that will be together for years (Im still dreaming Varane) I would prefer them instead of buying 20/30 year olds who will only be around a year or 2 and we wouldnt make our money back on them.

With our defence being such a big part of our game am I the only one thinking we could/should be looking at upgrading as a priority?

[CurlyHairLikeLuiz 1,625]

And Im thinking it should be sooner rather than later. Id also swap Cahill out this season - either with a TOP CB we get this season or Zouma.

But we are going to be in deep shit IMHO as with 3 of our back 4 on 1 year contracts (with Filip 4) and with JT more than likely being his last season with him not wanting to go out like Drogs.

Im of thoughts wanting to get a young back 4 that will be together for years (Im still dreaming Varane) I would prefer them instead of buying 20/30 year olds who will only be around a year or 2 and we wouldnt make our money back on them.

With our defence being such a big part of our game am I the only one thinking we could/should be looking at upgrading as a priority?

You need experience in defence. Azpi-Zouma-Varane-Luis for me would not have the required levels of experience.

Plus I think Mou plays Azpi on the left to lock down that flank to relieve Hazard of his defensive duties. If we were to get someone like, say, Reus, I'd say we'd be the first team in many years to use proper fullbacks and Ivanovic has shown he can defend too. He is instructed to press up due to the offensive deficiencies of Willian on the wing. That way the attackers are more free to attack because the defenders only come up for corners. Accompanied with a likely shift to 4-3-3 to accomodate RLC later in his development ie in one or two seasons' time, it will be one of the most disciplined teams we've seen. Of course, both fullbacks do have that attacking element in the locker, if needed. Oh, and the final step would be that when Terry retires we go more high line, Matic sits in front of the centre backs, RLC recycles possession (he has good distribution), Reus and Cesc create, Hazard drives the ball forward and Costa is the killer. Reus cuts in and Cesc is that creator who alternates from the centre to the left side.

But I'd expect the real shape, accomodating a true RW like Reus or what have you would be -

(goal)

Courtois

Zouma Terry

Ivanovic Azpi

--- Matic ---

RLC

Cesc

Reus

Costa Hazard

By the way, regarding Terry. As a striker most of the time you need pace, but with a CB you don't, and that's why as long as he can distribute and tackle effectively he is well worth keeping, and his leadership skills take the team to a whole other level, which is why Cahill will never be able to be the senior centre back and in the end Ivanovic will probably parent Zouma.

[Unionjack 7,531]

I understand all you say and agree with alot of it but altho I cant see Filipe being around long (I dont think Mou trusts him) I cant see how you can say Dave/Varane/Zouma/Filipe dont have the required levels of experience. OK Happy might not but to see him paired with Varane would be my fave thing since Cescy joining. And the other 3 have regular week in week out playing at the highest level. And Id be happy to play them against most teams (Filipe is better going forward than defending and could be upgraded IMHO)

The problems with Bane to me is his speed,postitioning ball play. With our use of playing on the break Daves great and can bomb up n down (Filipe too) but Banes like a tank. Opposition dont mind him having the ball. What hes good at is being in the air. For crosses and set pieces having him (Like Happy) there is a big target to aim at. But he goes forward alot and as well as getting lost he hasn't got the speed to get back in time so it exposes an already nervous Cahill. I like that hes strong but he also gets TOO headstrong at times. I wouldn't have complained if he had got a red card when he was practicing his UFC moves against Everton with McCarthy. Put his arms round him (Looked to me like he was doing a Suarez - or giving him a love bite) and pushed his forhead into his face. Thats not the sort of a temper a supposed leader needs. Strong yeah but not to the point its gonna cost us.

Cahills not been right for alot of this season. Hes not looked good physically. Hes looked thin/gaunt/pale, very similar to Schurrle actually. Hes been shakey when the ball comes into the area and its shown more when Zouma has been played.

The formation that Id love to see is more a 4-3-3

Tebo

Dave/Varane/Happy/New LB

Matic

Cescy Pogba

New RAM Eden

The Beast

With Matic as a normal holding MF we got Pogba as a fast strong B to B and Cescy as the man with the plan. We got dave and the new fast LB that can run up good with crosses and Dave crossing on his right foot.

I wouldnt mind keeping both or either Willian/Oscar cause theyd be great options I just think both can be upgraded on if we get the chance to. Theres been a few names mentioned but we all know we do need a TOP one.

[The Skipper 20,609]

I understand all you say and agree with alot of it but altho I cant see Filipe being around long (I dont think Mou trusts him) I cant see how you can say Dave/Varane/Zouma/Filipe dont have the required levels of experience. OK Happy might not but to see him paired with Varane would be my fave thing since Cescy joining. And the other 3 have regular week in week out playing at the highest level. And Id be happy to play them against most teams (Filipe is better going forward than defending and could be upgraded IMHO)

The problems with Bane to me is his speed,postitioning ball play. With our use of playing on the break Daves great and can bomb up n down (Filipe too) but Banes like a tank. Opposition dont mind him having the ball. What hes good at is being in the air. For crosses and set pieces having him (Like Happy) there is a big target to aim at. But he goes forward alot and as well as getting lost he hasn't got the speed to get back in time so it exposes an already nervous Cahill. I like that hes strong but he also gets TOO headstrong at times. I wouldn't have complained if he had got a red card when he was practicing his UFC moves against Everton with McCarthy. Put his arms round him (Looked to me like he was doing a Suarez - or giving him a love bite) and pushed his forhead into his face. Thats not the sort of a temper a supposed leader needs. Strong yeah but not to the point its gonna cost us.

Cahills not been right for alot of this season. Hes not looked good physically. Hes looked thin/gaunt/pale, very similar to Schurrle actually. Hes been shakey when the ball comes into the area and its shown more when Zouma has been played.

The formation that Id love to see is more a 4-3-3

Tebo

Dave/Varane/Happy/New LB

Matic

Cescy Pogba

New RAM Eden

The Beast

With Matic as a normal holding MF we got Pogba as a fast strong B to B and Cescy as the man with the plan. We got dave and the new fast LB that can run up good with crosses and Dave crossing on his right foot.

I wouldnt mind keeping both or either Willian/Oscar cause theyd be great options I just think both can be upgraded on if we get the chance to. Theres been a few names mentioned but we all know we do need a TOP one.

Something like this would be amazing, almost too amazing. I would advocate for Sterling on the right wing, so the XI would be:

Courtois

Azpilicueta - Zouma - Varane - Luis

Matic

Fabregas - Pogba

Sterling - Costa - Hazard

Amazing XI tbh. Won't ever happen though.

[Unionjack 7,531]

We share the dream lol

But if we dont aim high bruv whats the point?? Might as well go mid table instead with no stress or worries and use all our academy lads.

[Madmax 9,219]

Diego Costa's goal against Liverpool showed what Azpi is capable of in attack. Shame he doesnt get the chance to do it more often.

Finally someone on the same page, he isn't incapable in attack he's told to stay back because Ivanovic basically plays like a winger.

I also remember him assisting Torres at Galatasaray. But it was probably the most open someone has been against us in the last two years ... which of course meant we just drew 1-1 a match we should have won 5-0 in the first half.

edit - found it