Chelsea captain Cesar Azpillicueta was partially at fault for both goals in Chelsea’s 2-2 home draw against Sheffield United last Saturday, César Azpilicueta gave away possession 20 times against Sheffield United, at least three times more than any other player on the pitch. Both of Sheffield United’s goals came from Chelsea’s right-hand side the first of which was when Sheffield’s left wing-back Enda Stevens dribbled past the Spanish International and got a cross in for Callum Robinson to nod home.
The second goal came when Azpilicueta failed to prevent a cross from Callum Robinson and Kurt Zouma scored an unfortunate own goal, these mistakes came on the back some poor performances for Chelsea against Manchester United and Liverpool where he was at fault for some of the goals.
The right-back already lost his place in the Spanish squad last season after some Luis Enrique felt that he did not fit into the teams playing style. Cesar Azpilicueta was been dependable at the back for Chelsea since he signed from Marseille in 2012 but was never an outlet going forward. He impressed in a back three under Antonio Conte when Chelsea won the premier league title in the 2016/17 season.
Frank Lampard will have a choice to make when academy graduate Reece James returns from injury. The 19-year-old is expected to be back fit after the international break and Lampard might consider dropping Azpilicueta to give James a chance, Reece James is good going forward but will need to improve his positioning in defensive situations to cut it out in the premier league.
Another option for Lampard would be to pair Azpilicueta alongside Antonio Rudiger in central defense when the German International returns from injury, with neither Christensen nor Zouma impressing so far in the season Lampard might consider a defensive overhaul by replacing both the center-backs.
Azpilicueta has all the skills to be a center-back but at 5’10 does not quite have the height of a center-back.
