Cesar Azpilicueta was full of praise for Chelsea teammate Romelu Lukaku who had to work despite being isolated up front during the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
It was a tough game for the 10-man Chelsea side who had to hold on for a draw in the second half after Reece James’ red card.
Thomas Tuchel was forced to replace Kai Havertz with Thiago Silva at half-time, while also giving Mason Mount the instruction to play deeper to help in midfield.
As a result, Lukaku was often surrounded by four, five Liverpool players without any support and struggled to make a similar impact he had last week.
However, Azpilicueta was impressed by Lukaku’s work rate and the striker’s willingness to play for the team.
“Romelu has been with us for only two weeks, we have to think about it, you know,” the Spain international told Chelsea TV after the game.
“He’s a great addition to the team, he’s physical, he wants to score goals and play for the team.
“Tonight, in the second half, he had to make a sacrifice, having to adapt to having more long balls and being only on his own. And he held the ball, flicked the ball.
“So we’re very happy to have him back in our side.”
The Belgium international only registered one shot on target throughout the game, but still managed to create two chances.
He was very close to making an assist with one of them in the second half, but Mateo Kovacic’s strike, unfortunately, went straight to Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson.