A number of Chelsea players were praised for their excellent performances in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at the weekend, but captain Cesar Azpilciueta’s own display was somewhat overlooked.
The Spaniard did start the game sloppily, and he was beaten for pace by Gabriel Jesus which led to Kepa having to make a save, but he grew into the match. After the Blues went 1-0 up, he was superb at snuffing out danger, including a great piece of defending that stopped Raheem Sterling in his tracks.
Azpilicueta’s consistency is one of his standout attributes and some supporters on Twitter have recognised the 31-year-old’s contribution to Thomas Tuchel side’s improved defensive organisation:
No one deserves a champions league more.
— Harry Ashbolt (@ashbolt97) April 17, 2021
He’s never out of form. Plays football nothing more.
— ??????? ? (@AhmadeenBeji) April 17, 2021
All business from minute one to minute 90. never gets subbed.
— Syders (@CFCSyd) April 17, 2021
How football should be. Real Captain. ???
— Adam (@CFCMethod) April 17, 2021
He deserves to lift CL trophy before moving or retired.
— jen (@flyme2tokio) April 17, 2021
Mr Reliable!!
— Kwahu Roman Abramovic???? (@Kojo_Mondays) April 17, 2021
Absolute servant to the club
— Adiiri49 (@adiiri49) April 17, 2021
Love him so so much . Captain fantastic ?
— Jabar (@jabarzee) April 17, 2021
We are fortunate to have him as our LEADER! ❤️
— vismay (@vismayhingwala) April 17, 2021
He’s a Viking ?
— BlueSoldiersFC ?? (@BlueSoldiersFC) April 18, 2021
Since Tuchel’s arrival in January, Azpilicueta has only failed to start two out of 19 matches, and those came in the earlier rounds of the FA Cup. When he has been named in the starting lineup, Chelsea have kept an extremely impressive 12 clean sheets.