Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is a “manager’s dream”, claims Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard. Azpilicueta has been one of the very few consistent players for the Blues this season and manager Antonio Conte has successfully used the Spaniard in a variety of positions.
The 28-year-old currently plays on the right-hand side of Conte’s three-man defence, while he has also played as a wing-back in the past.
Azpilicueta joined Chelsea back in 2012 from Marseille for around £7m and has since been a mainstay in the team. The Spanish international’s latest brilliant performance against Spanish heavyweights Barcelona in the Champions League has earned him a lot of praise.
Steven Gerrard appears to be a big fan of the Chelsea defender and the former Liverpool skipper believes Azpilicueta would walk straight into any team.
“He’s a manager’s dream,” Gerrard was quoted by the Daily Star.
“He gets in 99 percent of any team in the world because any manager would want him. He’s always available, he’s robust. It seems like he’s so professional as well. He’s a fantastic player.”
Following a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge against Barcelona in the first leg of Champions League round of 16, Azpilicueta has called the team to show their grit and continue their mini-revival when they travel to Old Trafford on Sunday to face Manchester United.
“After two tough defeats a few weeks ago the team responded with two wins against West Brom, and then Hull City in the FA Cup,” the Spanish defender was quoted by the Daily Star.
“Against Barcelona, it was also a great performance from the team, nearly perfect.
“Now we have a tough game on Sunday and we have to turn our heads to the next target, the Premier League, and try to get as high as possible.
“The away goal obviously gives them a small advantage because with a 0-0 they go through, but it is what it is.
“There is still a lot to play for and it will be an interesting game, we know it’s going to be tough but our performance showed what we are capable of doing and we will try our best to qualify.
“We have to play a perfect game, we know we are playing against very good players in a tough stadium but we are confident and we will try to qualify.”
He added:
“The next game is always the most important because it’s where you can get the three points. At the moment we are getting closer and closer to the end of the season, so we have to get the points.”
As Azpilicueta has stated, we have to continue our mini-revival and see how far we can go in the Premier League, FA Cup and the Champions League. I am sure the team will stand up to face the challenges.