Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta currently holds a Premier League record that highlights his impressive start to the new season.
The Blues have so many combative defenders in their ranks, which is something manager Thomas Tuchel has managed to exploit during his time in charge.
That’s why it’s no surprise to hear a Chelsea player is joint-top for most tackles in the Premier League after the opening three games of the 2021/22 campaign.
Azpilicueta, along with Brentford’s Sergi Canos, have both made 15 tackles so far this season. Everton midfielder Allan is the closest rivals with 12. This data comes from the official Premier League website.
Azpilicueta, 32, has started all three matches for Thomas Tuchel’s side, albeit he was substituted off during the opening win v Crystal Palace.
The Spaniard has always been renowned for his excellent defensive work, with many considering him as the best one-on-one defender in the division earlier in his career.
It’s clear that he’s been given a new lease of life under Tuchel.
The experienced leader started as a centre-back in a back-three during the weekend’s 1-1 draw with Liverpool, but reverted to wing-back in the second half when the team were down to 10 men.
He’s a colossus at the back regardless of where he plays in the defence, so the Blues are very fortunate to have him. BBC pundit Crooks Garth Crooks referred to him as “outstanding” after his display against Arsenal this campaign.
Also, Chelsea duo Marcos Alonso and Jorginho are both joint-eleventh for tackles across the division so far this season (10).
This Chelsea side has a lot of creative flair that can be very exciting moving forward, but the defence is the cornerstone of their recent success.
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