Antonio Conte believes Cesar Azpilicueta is the best defender in the world in the current role he occupies within the Chelsea team.
Full-back Azpilicueta has been utilised by Conte on the right side of a three-man defence since the beginning of October, when the Italian coach switched from a 4-2-4 to a 3-4-3 formation.
The move has paid off with Chelsea storming to the top of the Premier League standings thanks to consistent performances from the club’s offensive players but also their defensively-minded footballers too.
Indeed, Conte singled out wing-back Victor Moses and defender Azpilicueta for their importance to his team in the 3-4-3 set-up – labelling the former as “fantastic” and the latter “incredible”.
“This system (3-5-2) was in my mind when we planned the season with the club,” Conte said.
“We have two systems 4-2-4 and 3-4-3. When I switched this system, I felt it was a good fit for our players. We don’t lose offensively but we are better defensively.
“We found players not to adapt but to play in different roles compared to the past. Like Moses and Azpi – he’s incredible in this new role. He is one of the best in the world in this role.
“Moses too. To run for the whole game with this quality is fantastic.”
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