Azpilicueta suggests it would be foolish to let Fabregas go

Joe Williams

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has urged the club not to sell Cesc Fabregas in January after highlighting his game-changing qualities.

After initially finding first-team opportunities hard to come by under Antonio Conte, the Spaniard excelled in the 3-1 victory against title rivals Manchester City which prompted his boss to single out the ex-Gunners man for special praise.

Fabregas has been tipped to leave the Blues when the transfer window re-opens, with a move to Serie A said to be most likely. However Azpilicueta believes his fellow compatriot reminded everyone of his unique talent and proved he is a major asset to the Chelsea squad.

Azpilicueta told Standard Sport: “To have a player like him at the club is really important. We know his qualities — he is a game changer.

“The passes he did during the win against Manchester City were amazing. He provided the assist for the goal which got us back into the game — Diego scored a very good goal.

“Not a lot of players can do that kind of pass.

“I have seen him do things like that for years, with Spain as well. The skill that he has is very special.

“He can see passes before anyone else and is so accurate from such a long distance. Obviously, it is a really difficult thing to do and for others to stop.”