Cesar Azpilicueta: I’ve learned how to time interceptions perfectly

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta believes his ability to make interceptions at crucial moments has been hugely important to his development at Stamford Bridge, as per the club’s official website.

The 26-year-old initially joined the Blues as a right-back but in recent years has thrived on the opposite flank, with his ability to read the game being particularly impressive, proven by the fact that no other Chelsea player has made more interceptions in the league than the Spaniard’s 23 this term.

He said: “It’s a case of reading the situation. Sometimes you see the opponent is going to make the pass and you know you are in the right place at the right moment.

“It’s a bit risky, because if you mistime it the ball will pass you, but these are the kind of situations where, with experience, you learn when you can choose to step out and make an interception and when you cannot do it. It’s as simple as that.”

Azpilicueta has managed to keep his place in the Chelsea side this season despite the arrival of highly-rated left-back Baba Rahman in the summer transfer window.

Cesar Azpilicueta has won 55% of his duels in the Premier League this season.

A hugely reliable defender, Azpilicueta can also provide a threat going forwards and – unlike many modern fullbacks – can never be accused of shirking his defensive duties.

The defender’s good form has also seen him break into the Spain squad, and he will be hopeful of representing his country at the 2016 European Championships in France next summer.

Chelsea have started the season in deeply disappointing fashion, with Jose Mourinho’s side currently 16th place in the Premier League table as a consequence of a series of shock defeats.

Cesar Azpilicueta has an average pass length of 19m in the Premier League this season.

However, Azpilicueta and his team-mates will be determined to return to winning ways when they take on Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

The future of Mourinho has been called into question in recent weeks, and speculation about whether he will remain in charge at Chelsea will only intensify if the Blues drop further points this weekend.