Darren Bent has ripped into Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta by suggesting he’s no longer good enough to compete at the top level.
Blues defender Azpilicueta, 33, has been a regular this season, largely down to Reece James injuries.
The £150,000-a-week right-back has played 22 games across all competitions so far this campaign, with only four Chelsea teammates in the squad making more appearances than him.
Graham Potter has had a nightmare when it comes to injuries during his opening few months as the head coach, so in some areas the team selection has been taken out of his hands.
Cesar Azpilicueta looks finished
TalkSPORT pundit Darren Bent is a massive admirer of Azpilicueta’s achievements in a Chelsea shirt, but suggests he’s now miles off his best.
“Azpilicueta, who has been a fantastic servant, a legend of that football club, and won everything, his better years are now behind him. He can’t compete…” Bent told talkSPORT.
If you’re a Premier League winger with a bit of pace, Azpilicueta looks a dream opponent right now.
Yes, Azpilicueta is an all-time Chelsea great.
He cemented his legacy with the Blues a long time ago, winning everything as a player at Stamford Bridge.
However, it’s so evident that his time should be up in west London.
His Chelsea contract expires in 2024, and it would be a shame to watch him struggle for another 18 months.
The Spanish defender is still going to bring plenty off the pitch with his leadership and experience, but it’s too much to ask him to deliver top performances every game.
Armando Broja explained at the start of the season that Azpilicueta was a brilliant mentor around the club, something which will go unnoticed from the outside. He needs to be far more consistent on the pitch, though.
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