Cesar Azpilicueta Deserves Same Plaudits Reserved for Fabregas, Costa at Chelsea
It would take a hard-nosed character not to feel for Filipe Luis right now.
Joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid this summer, the Brazilian came with a reputation for being one of the most complete left-backs in world football.
He was supposed to be the replacement for the departing Ashley Cole, a like-for-like swap almost after a season where Chelsea had to play a right-back out of position to fill the void created by the Englishman's loss of form.
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Well, it seems that right-back hasn't read the script. For Cesar Azpilicueta, it's been very much business as usual for him at Stamford Bridge.
Luis has been restricted to just one Premier League appearance this term—coming off the bench for a mere seven minutes against Everton in a 6-3 victory—while his three starts have come in the Capital One Cup and Champions League.
Azpilicueta has been at his masterful best, bringing stability and strength to the Chelsea back line that has remained unchanged from last year.
And in the process, there hasn't been much Luis can do about it.
It was that defensive structure that gave Mourinho the platform to build the team we've seen racing clear this season and with the addition of a £16 million defender or not, he doesn't appear ready to turn his back on it either.
"He's a fantastic professional," Mourinho responded when asked last week for his views on Azpilicueta.
The Chelsea boss was speaking ahead of the Sunday's 2-0 defeat of Arsenal, a game which saw the Spaniard make his 100th appearance for Chelsea.
With the competition for places in the Chelsea defence, it's an impressive milestone to reach in a little over two years in west London.
It's one that shows how impressive Azpilicueta has been in that time.
"He’s a right-back, a left-back, a winger, what we want. He’s a typical squad player. He behaves and works exactly the same way whether he’s playing or not playing," the Chelsea boss continued.
"He’s a fantastic team player—that’s why, one month ago, the club decided to give him a new contract because he’s the kind of boy you want to keep."
They were the words of a man who clearly rates his player—if his selection policy hadn't already suggested that—although Azpilicueta is one who, outside of the Chelsea bubble, perhaps isn't getting the plaudits he deserves.
Right now it's about Eden Hazard, Cesc Fabregas and goal machine Diego Costa.
It's understandable—and inevitable—given the damage the trio are causing further forward is the reason Chelsea are five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Let's not forget, Azpilicueta's form defensively has been just as important, too.
"Azpilicueta, we'll just call you Dave."
They're the lyrics to a popular song at Stamford Bridge these days, making fun of the defender's surname that has proved a significant tongue twister for players, fans and TV pundits.
The player himself even took to Chelsea TV to try helping them pronounce it.
That song highlights so much more, though.
Dave. It's such an average name, one from the bottle. Much like his manager, Azpilicueta is a special one, but like the nickname he has had bestowed him, he tends to go under the radar.
Daves are two-a-penny and can be easily forgotten, lost in the crowd.
The flamboyance of an Azpilicueta is different—it's a name that screams celebration and praise. It's one that deserves recognition.
Like those who are struggling to tackle pronouncing it, attackers across England and Europe have struggled to negotiate their way past the real thing—the player.
Azpilicueta may not be as effervescent a player as his name suggests he should be, yet he carries a flavour that embodies it.
He's seen off the challenge from a player once regarded the best in the world in his position and he's now beating off another with a similar reputation.
A Chelsea centurion, Azpilicueta is in good company. Let's not forget that.
*All quotes taken firsthand unless otherwise noted.
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Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes
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