Why it was a no-brainer for Chelsea to secure Cesar Azpilicueta’s future
According to a report in the Telegraph, Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new four-year deal with Chelsea, keeping his future intact at Stamford Bridge until 2022. As a part of the interview, the Spaniard pledged to “keep Chelsea where it belongs.”
The 29-year-old joined the club from Marseille in 2012 for a fee around £6.5m and has played 298 times for the Blues. The Spaniard has won two Premier League titles, one Europa League, one FA Cup, one Club World Cup, One EFL Cup, three Community Shields and one UEFA Super Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s why the club tying the defender to a long-term contract is a no-brainer in every sense:
Azpilicueta’s experience is key to Chelsea’s future
Cesar Azpilicueta is one of the longest-serving players in the current Chelsea squad and has won many accolades with the club. He possesses the experience of various kinds and has done well to perform whenever necessary.
The Spaniard’s consistency as a defender is remarkable. Rarely have we seen him going through a string of bad displays on the pitch.
Moreover, the 29-year-old’s versatility as a defender is key as well. Under Jose Mourinho during 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 season, he played as a left-back despite his favourite position being right-back.
However, Branislav Ivanovic already had that slot locked, so the Spaniard had to be content with playing on the other side. Fair play to him, he did such a good job that Chelsea won the Premier League in 2015.
Antonio Conte arrived in the summer of 2016 and tweaked the formation in October that year. Azpilicueta was switched to playing as a right-sided centre-back. The 29-year-old did remarkably well there and won another league title.
Hence, we can clearly say that the player is a manager’s delight. His commitment to the game is immense and that reflects whenever he is out there on the pitch.
Finally, Maurizio Sarri deploys him in his favoured right-back slot and the Spaniard seems comfortable. He is currently leading the side in Premier League games as Gary Cahill is not getting game time on the main stage.
Adding up all the facts, one can vividly conclude that Chelsea had no option but to extend Cesar Azpilicueta’s contract. The 29-year-old still has three to four years of peak football left in him, and the Blues must be happy he will spend those years in west London.