Cesar Azpilicueta is known for many things: his consistency and reliability above all. His defensive skills are renowned too. But what people have come to associate with him more recently is his passing.
The five assists he has to Alvaro Morata have all come from long angled balls into the box, and the stats from Saturday show that that’s becoming an increasing aspect of his game.
In fact, Azpi had the most passes of anyone on the Chelsea team against West Brom with 89. N’Golo Kante was next with 72.
He also played a ridiculous 13 long balls, 8 of which were accurate. That’s a very impressive completion percentage for balls that are inherently risky.
His ability to play quick passes up to Morata from the back didn’t produce a goal this time, but they did give Chelsea a quick release from the back and contributed to their win once again.
Hail Cesar indeed.
