When Cezar Azpilicueta arrived at Stamford Bridge there was a few who met the Spaniard in reserved mind. The £7m fee was judged a tad high by some Chelsea fans, but he settled well and was accepted into the club under the nickname Dave. Fast forward a year and the 24-year-old Spaniard can reflect on a brilliant season under Rafa Benitez, but a frustrating one so far under Jose Mourinho. The right-back has only made one substitute appearance under the Portuguese coach and is being tipped, by the Express, to switch back to his homeland when the transfer window re-opens.
For me, Azpilicueta was one of the most impressive newcomers to the Premier League last term, making 24 key passes from the full-back berth. The former Marseille defender averaged five defensive actions last season and completed 57% of his personal battles, including 83% of his tackles being completed.
The Chelsea man completed 82% of his passes and added a freshness to the Blues’ backline.
But with Branislav Ivanovic filling the right-back slot under Mourinho, while John Terry, Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole have completed the rest of the back four, Azpilicueta has found life frustrating and is being linked with La Liga side Atheltic Bilbao.
Whether or not Mourinho will allow the defender to leave is unknown, but I will miss him if he goes.
Do you agree with me, Blues?