Cesar Azpilicueta

Cesar Azpilicueta is a product of CA Osasuna’s youth system. He started as a midfielder but due to injuries in the main squad he became a first team regular at the age of 18 in the right-back position. In 2010 he moved to French club Olympique de Marseille for 7 million. He suffered a ruptured ACL [ anterior cruciate ligament] on his left knee and was sidelined for six months.

On the 24th of August 2012 signed Azpilicueta for a reported fee of 7 million and joined the Spanish contingent of Romeu, Mata and Torres. He made his debut in a 6-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Capital One Cup. He then made his first league start against Swansea City which ended in a 1-1 draw.

In his international career, he has helped Spain’s U-19 win the UEFA European Championship and the same for the U-21 as well. He was picked for the 2012 London Olympics squad but appeared in only one game as the team exited in the group stage.

Strengths – Very good at defending in last-ditch situations. Loves to get forward whenever possible and has a good crossing ability in him.

Weakness – Leaves a lot of area behind while attacking which can be exploited.

Career high: Returning from serious injury to link up with the Spain Under-21 side for their 2011 European Championship success.

Career low: In November 2010, shortly after joining Marseille, Azpilicueta suffered a serious knee injury that kept him out for much of the season.

Quotes – “If Chelsea makes a fair offer for Aspi [Azpilicueta], we will let him leave.”|

Trivia – 20-year old Azpilicueta was named by senior side manager Vicente del Bosque in a provisional list of 30 players, in view of the forthcoming FIFA World Cup; eventually, he did not make the final cut.