Chelsea have no shortage of players who could be named as their player of the season for the current campaign, but one unsung hero is in the running for the award and has been having his praises sung by Antonio Conte.
The likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and N'Golo Kante have grabbed a lot of the headlines this season, but one player who has flown under the radar slightly is Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta.
The 27-year-old began life at Stamford Bridge as a right-back, was switched to left-back and is now excelling as part of a back three for the Champions elect.
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The Spain international has been a first team mainstay since arriving from Marseille in 2012 but may be enjoying his best ever season, this term and is now being hailed as one of the world's best defenders by his boss.
Speaking at the Chelsea Pitch Owners gala dinner on Thursday night, the Blues' boss exclaimed, "He's incredible in his new role. one of the best in the world in this role."
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The £7m Chelsea spent on Azpilicueta has proven to be one of the club's finest ever pieces of business, with the former Osasuna youngster turning out 213 times over the past four and a half seasons, lifting a Premier League title, a League Cup and a Europa League in his time at Stamford Bridge.
Here they are, all the lads. Image: PA
Ensuring that a team doesn't miss a player of Ashley Cole's calibre, who Azpilicueta replaced, is now easy feat, but the Pamplona born defender has done so with aplomb.
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Should Azpilicueta be awarded Chelsea's player of the year award or is someone else more deserving?
Have your say in the comments section, below.
(H/T Yahoo Sport)
Topics: Football, Chelsea FC, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Conte