Neil Warnock has made the bold statement that Chelsea’s captain Cesar Azpilicueta isn’t a very good defender.
Azpilicueta, who’s playing in his 10th consecutive season as a Chelsea player, is an extremely decorated individual in Blues history.
The 32-year-old added the Club World Cup to his long list of successes at the weekend, as the Blues beat Palmeiras 2-1 after extra-time in Saturday’s final.
In addition, he’s won the Premier League (two), Champions League, Europa League (two), Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup during his time so far at Stamford Bridge.
He’s an extremely versatile defender that can play as a right-back or left-back in a back four, as well as at centre-back. He can play either flank as a wing-back, too.
The £150,000-a-week star’s greatest strength over the years has been his defending one-on-one, and there was a point in time he was unrivalled by most in that department. In addition, the club captain is a massive leader within the dressing room.
However, Warnock has bizarrely said the Spaniard isn’t that good defensively. He even suggested he’s fortunate to be a player in Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
“I think he’s been a very fortunate lad that he’s actually at a club like Chelsea. I don’t think he’s a great defender. Sometimes in football you need a bit of luck and I think he’s had a bit of luck that he’s at the right time at the right place,” Warnock told talkSPORT.
Chelsea fans close your eyes
Of course, everyone’s entitled to their opinions on player, especially when it’s someone who’s managed for as long as Warnock.
This is a horrific take, though.
Azpilicueta’s constantly been underrated throughout his career, something that still seems to be the case now.
His defensive traits mean he’s got the versatility to play anywhere across the backline, which is even more impressive when you factor in he’s doing this at the highest level.
A true testament to Azpilicueta’s ability is that he’s survived a decade at the Bridge throughout the constant change of managers.
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