Full-back expecting added competition from new arrivals.
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Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is ready to battle it out for his place in the Chelsea first team amid speculation that the Blues will be bringing in at least one new full-back this summer, report Sky Sports.
The Spaniard, who will be representing his country at this summer’s World Cup, was the first choice left-back at Stamford Bridge last season, starting 44 games across all competitions.
Azpilicueta had dislodged Ashley Cole in that position and now the Englishman is set to leave the club, another left-back is expected to come in. Atletico Madrid’s Felipe Luis is expected to be Cole’s replacement and if the Brazilian does arrive then Azpilicueta is more than ready to prove he deserves his place in the team.
“When you play in a top team, there’s always a lot of competition for spots,” he told the Evening Standard.
“I always fought for my spot with respect to all my team-mates and will continue doing so.”
24-year-old Azpilicueta earned plenty of plaudits last season and it would be seen as a harsh decision were he to be replaced. There is the possibility that the Spaniard could move to his more natural position of right-back and Branislav Ivanovic move into central defence alongside Gary Cahill.
Defensive competition has been reduced to an extent at Chelsea on Wednesday morning as Tomas Kalas has joined Cologne on loan for the 2014/15 season.