Cesar Azpilicueta: Chelsea legend 'isn't very good', claims Neil Warnock

Following Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph over Palmeiras this past weekend, club captain Cesar Azpilicueta became the first Blues player in history to complete a clean sweep of major trophies.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from Marseille in 2012 for what – in hindsight – was a bargain £7 million, the 32-year-old Spaniard has lifted no less than nine significant honours with the west London outfit.

Affectionately known by the Chelsea fanbase as ‘Dave’, the veteran defender had previously won the Premier League twice, as well as picking up Champions League, Europa League, European Super Cup, FA Cup and League Cup winners medals, before Saturday’s victory in Abu Dhabi.

However, despite the player’s glittering resume, former Sheffield United boss Neil Warnock has claimed that Azpilicueta is far from “a great defender” and branded him “lucky” to have spent the last decade at Chelsea.

“It goes two ways. I think he’s been very fortunate lad to be at a club like Chelsea,” suggested the outspoken 73-year-old, per talkSPORT.

“I don’t think he’s a great defender. Sometimes in football, you need a bit of luck and I think he’s had a bit of luck that he’s been there at the right time and at the right place.

“That’s what you need in football. You need a bit of luck to be successful.”

It’s a pretty harsh assessment of a man who has won everything there is to win at club level (we’re not counting the Community Shield as a major trophy, for the record).

You can check out a clip of Warnock’s comments below.