The time has come for Frank Lampard to reconsider Cesar Azpilicueta’s selection for the first team and the Chelsea boss seems to be doing just that.
Azpilicueta put up yet another disappointing performance against Sheffield United on Saturday which ultimately led to the Blades collecting a point at Stamford Bridge, even though it was directly not his fault.
For some reason, the Chelsea captain has started off the season in unusually poor form. He was given the armband by Maurizio Sarri last season and still has two years left on his contract.
He is still one of the club’s best defenders but his recent performances have been well below par. Seeing the monumental changes Lampard brought with him to Chelsea management, Azpilicueta is likely to be dropped for the younger Reece James.
The 19-year-old is yet to make his Chelsea debut but could be summoned as soon as his ankle injury heals. So far, we have seen the team’s seniors like Willian and Olivier Giroud dropped for Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, both of whom have been excelling under Lampard.
We can expect to see a similar change in defence in a bid to overturn Chelsea’s fortunes. The Pensioners have only collected 5 points from their first 4 Premier League fixtures this season. If they go on like this, a top-four finish will be a rather difficult task to accomplish. Making the necessary changes early on could help dissolve some of the more transparent problems.
Azpilicueta’s form might also improve with more rest days in between games. The Spaniard has been a constant presence at the Chelsea backline for the past 4 seasons in a row. He has played major minutes under all of the past three managers.
If James picks up much of the workload and offers some competition, Azpilicueta will definitely be more motivated to get back to top shape. His current game gives a distinct picture of mental, if not physical, fatigue.
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I hope can do batter than
A good decision made from lampard, there are really a poor of performance from the captain, but i think that every player needs rest to gave other upcoming players a fair chance to bring a other dimension structure in the defense and attacking ability that seems to work, we still need to finish.
Keep them as they are drop that knob zouma
Long overdue. His performance has led to Chelsea conceding goals in all four games. He need some rest.
Cesar should be given a release for some games, so he can watch from the bench to enable him do better
Good one Frank. Poor performance from Azpilicueta that lead to us dropping vital point and conceding at every game played. Thank you Frank
Good Article.
Dave has been brilliant over the past 5 years, but he is looking leg weary at the moment.
lampard too shud hav been an assistant for like 3 years before becoming chlesea’s manager?
Since last season towards ending Apz was not in good form tanks lampard has identified that.by time Rudiger is back to substitute zouma, and kante as well back fit I guess we are done with our situation.