César Azpilicueta

[Sir Mikel OBE 4,920]

15 minutes ago, Thor said:

I wonder how Azpi will fit into this system. He isn't the quickest of guys to be playing in the FB position, and I'm not particularly sure he is suited to that role in a possession style game. Bizarre as he is one of our best players, but one I find most trouble fitting into the team. Don't think he can be a CB at his size, but then again, who knows. I'd prefer him at CB than RB. He can whip the ball in well, but not sure he is suited to building up play from the position. Isn't quick enough and silky enough on the ball for it. 

Size-wise he is the same height as Puyol. Obviously Puyol was built like a tank, but Dave could probably get there if required. I think its a natural progression for him.

[Jase 43,479]

Captain. Leader. Legend. Tour Guide. #niceguydave 

[Jase 43,479]

 

 

[Polo7 3,496]

What a top lad! 

[El P. 1,354]

That was very Terry-esque!

[xPetrCechx 13,563]

Captain!

[Unionjack 7,531]

18 minutes ago, Jason said:

 

 

That lads face, Chokes me up..

[Jase 43,479]

1 minute ago, Unionjack said:

That lads face, Chokes me up..

Might completely lose it if we don't give Azpi a new contract! 

[Unionjack 7,531]

9 minutes ago, Jason said:

Might completely lose it if we don't give Azpi a new contract! 

Of course mate. Dont know how its gone this long without a renew

Have our normal 30+ 1 years

And with William/Pedro running out 2020  they wont be getting an extension yet.

AVG and Omeruo run out 2020

Plus of course Eden and shockingly Ampadu. He needs golden handcuffs.

[mccg 1,528]

Azpilicueta hails ‘very good’ Chelsea’s ‘clinical’ finishing against Huddersfield

https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2018/8/12/17679854/azpilicueta-hails-very-good-chelseas-clinical-finishing-against-huddersfield

[Blusan Alamb 295]

I expect him to improve in the next few matches.

[OneMoSalah 8,778]

Honestly don't think he was bad, hes still getting back to playing as a right back but I've seen a lot of shit on social media that we need a new RB, 100% incorrect the guy is one of the best in the business. Fair enough he doesn't run 100m in 10 seconds but hes excellent defensively and hes always improving on the ball. The CBs are more an issue for me. Pity hes not 6 ft 2 or 3 because I think if he were that bit taller and more physical he could be adapted to a CB (Although that is based on his role in a back 3, totally different in a back 4 I know). 

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1 hour ago, OneMoSalah said:

Honestly don't think he was bad, hes still getting back to playing as a right back but I've seen a lot of shit on social media that we need a new RB, 100% incorrect the guy is one of the best in the business. Fair enough he doesn't run 100m in 10 seconds but hes excellent defensively and hes always improving on the ball. The CBs are more an issue for me. Pity hes not 6 ft 2 or 3 because I think if he were that bit taller and more physical he could be adapted to a CB (Although that is based on his role in a back 3, totally different in a back 4 I know). 

It does feel like fans do not value or appreciate Azpi enough. Don't think many had heard of him when we signed him in 2012 but we did and ever since then, he has improved immensely and proven to be very reliable and consistent. He has played in 3 different positions across the defence in 6 years and has never looked out of place at all and has always given at least 7-8 out of 10 week in week out. We have become so used to his consistency and dependability that I think many have taken him almost for granted. Sarri's football is obviously different to what we have had in recent years but if there's anyone who deserves the benefit of the doubt and a fair chance to cement his spot under Sarri, it's Azpi, who has shown he's intelligent and adaptable. And it's not like he has been a disaster under Sarri, nowhere close. As you said, there are more concerning issues elsewhere than the right back at this time.

(random fact - since the start of the 2015/16 season, Azpi has played in all but two Premier League games - was rested in both. if that isn't consistency, I don't know what is.)

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[kellzfresh 7,229]

Special shout for azpi, fantastic game from him today. Created chances from crosses, should have gotten an assist if Morata knew how to control a football. Azpi could have even scored if morata wasn't in the way, and he forced a good save from the keeper. Good match for his 200th EPL appearance. 

[OneMoSalah 8,778]

Good game but as Ruud Guillit has just gone and said on MOTD there were times he could have been high and wide to stretch the pitch. We played alright but perhaps too central at times, little bit of width at times would change it up. It’s obviously a work in progress still but just something I noticed earlier particularly with Azpi and Pedro on the right.

[Jase 43,479]

5 hours ago, OneMoSalah said:

Good game but as Ruud Guillit has just gone and said on MOTD there were times he could have been high and wide to stretch the pitch. We played alright but perhaps too central at times, little bit of width at times would change it up. It’s obviously a work in progress still but just something I noticed earlier particularly with Azpi and Pedro on the right.

Think it's a perhaps mixed of Azpi not being a natural attacking RB and tactical instructions from Sarri. Last week against Arsenal is an example. Barely got forward in the first half but constantly got forward in the second. Also, if one FB is already pushing up, you do not necessarily want the other to go forward too much either. Otherwise, could be caught on the break if the play breaks down.

[the wes 7,212]

Cesar Azpilicueta, 29, knows where the Blues need to improve despite the Spaniard's team winning three in a row. (Football.London)