Cesar Azpilicueta's two moments of utter genius to solidify him among pantheon of Chelsea greats

Cesar Azpilicueta signed for Chelsea almost a decade ago.

The Blues had come off winning the Champions League and in late August stumped up £7 million to Marseille to sign the Spaniard, on the same day they purchased Victor Moses from Wigan.

The likes of Charly Musonda, Andreas Christensen, Eden Hazard and Oscar also signed that summer with Robert Di Matteo in charge of the club.

At just 22, Azpilicueta arrived at Stamford Bridge to play with established internationals in Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Garry Cahill and David Luiz in the ranks.

It was clear the Blues boss saw him initially as a player to add depth.

“He is a young player from Marseille, who has come through all the ranks with the youth level of the Spanish team, and he will give us cover at the right-back position with Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic," said Di Matteo.

“It gives us more options for the future and competition. We will see who is going to be playing.”

It wasn't until November of that season Azpilicueta found himself starting a Premier League match for Chelsea, a 1-1 draw against Swansea.

The former Osasuna defender might be one player to remember Rafael Benitez fondly, as he earned more starts once his countryman replaced Di Matteo.

Azpilicueta has admitted he learned a lot from Benitez, and while he only featured in the final ten minutes of the Club World Cup in 2012, he was the starting right back by the time the Europa League final came around and Chelsea defeated Benfica.

"Playing for Chelsea you have the responsibility to win every game," he said at the end of that season.

"Physically and mentally, it is difficult, because every three days you have a massive game. We are fighting for every trophy.

"It's the first time I have