"Cesar Azpilicueta had a strong season during 2019/20. Playing left-back, right-back and as a right sided centre-half he once again showed his versatility to play in several defensive positions.
He played 36 out of 38 Premier League games during last season, he was an ever present in Frank Lampard’s side.
The boss and Azpilicueta were teammates when ‘Azpi’ arrived in 2012. Eight years on, he is now his manager.
The two are now plotting a way to take Chelsea forward in the coming years, how to close the gap on the teams above and how to improve on the European stage.
The ultimate role model
Lampard has recently spoke about his skipper. He said: “The attitude he shows is a pleasure every single day. His application is the absolute standard for any young player.
"He is the one that fans look to and say, that is how we feel about Chelsea."
Like his manager, Azpilicueta was brutally honest about the conclusion of the season. He stated: “They were not the results we wanted to get.
"We missed the chance to lift the FA Cup and obviously we had a bad result against Bayern. We did have good moments during the season, but it was hard to find consistency. We know we must keep improving.”
'We must keep progressing'
There was a new gaffer at the start of last season. Lampard has brought a fresh, youthful approach to the side with a different style.
"We started with a new manager first and foremost. We tried to implement his tactics from the beginning. We know It is still the beginning and we must keep improving as a team.
"We have had very good results against big sides. We performed very well on some occasions but sometimes, we did not play very well. We need to get the consistency as a team.
"At times it has been hard to find defensive solidarity, but we must keep moving forward and growing as a team.”
Flourishing youth
Last season was noticeable for Cobham academy products coming through the ranks. Tammy Abraham finished as the club's top goal scorer. Mason Mount played the most minutes, along with ‘Azpi’, in the whole squad.
“It has been a very good season for them. The academy has been successful over the years, they have won a lot of trophies at youth level. They have become one of the best European sides at their level but we did not have enough players making the step to the first team.
"They were given the chance this year. The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi were given minutes last season but this season has been consistent for the younger players.
"Reece [James], Tammy, Mason and Fikayo [Tomori] went on loan last season and were very impressive. They had good loan spells and now deserve to be involved.
"At the start, the boss shown a lot of trust in them. There were times when they found it difficult, but this is what happens with young players. They got through the tough stage and they now deserve to be where they are. They will keep improving.”
Chasing the pack
Over the past three seasons, Chelsea have finished 33, 26 and 30 points behind the title winners. Azpilicueta believes the key to unlocking the key is consistency.
“The issue at times this season is that we have not been clinical in both boxes," explains the skipper.
“In the attacking box we have missed chances. I think the main problem is that sometimes we were playing well but we were not strong enough in our box.
"We know we must improve in both boxes. reducing the number of goals conceded is important if we want to reduce the gap at the top.”
New arrivals
Ahead of the new season, Chelsea have improved their squad with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. The two have been training with the squad and have been since the back end of last season.
According to ‘Azpi’, he thinks the to two have integrated themselves into the squad and have hit the ground running.
“Both of them have shown their quality in training. We have seen potential in their offensive displays. They can create good chances and score big goals.
"The quicker they adapt to the Premier League the better. This will be better for everybody. It was good to have them training with us last season. They are already part of the group, now it is all about preparing for next season. Everyone is looking forward to the new campaign.”