Graham Potter has shared that Cesar Azpilicueta has been brilliant in helping the new signings settle at Chelsea.
The Blues welcomed a host of new faces to their already large squad in January. It does mean, however, that Graham Potter's most difficult task each game may be deciding who he leaves out rather than who he selects to play.
Some of the high-profile arrivals last month included Enzo Fernandez, Joao Felix (on loan), Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, and Benoit Badiashile. The early signs are the business has been very positive, too.
Cesar Azpilicueta impact
Potter has explained in his press conference the importance of Chelsea's club captain.
Apparently, 33-year-old defender Azpilicueta, who's spent over a decade at Stamford Bridge, is someone who's been instrumental in integrating all the new players.
“I must admit, I have been really pleased with how the new guys have settled into the group and how the existing players have helped them. You'll speak to Azpi later and he is a fantastic professional and person who understands the club, what is required to be a Chelsea player, and has really helped with the process. We're fortunate to have someone like him,” Potter said, as quoted by Football London.
It's normal for a captain to assist all new signings at a club, but Azpiliceuta must have had his hands full with the number of players passing through the front door.
The Spanish full-back can't quite make the same impact on the pitch as he used to in his prime. Therefore, it's no real surprise Sport claims that Barcelona are interested in a move for Chelsea's skipper in the summer.
If Azpilicueta's time in west London is coming to an end, the Blues would soon lose a great ambassador for the club and a big part of the dressing room.
It's going to be big shoes for someone to eventually fill. For us, Reece James is the like-for-like replacement for important off-field matters.
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Azpilicueta admits he was surprised by how good new Chelsea signing is