Cesar Azpilicueta says player Chelsea signed for £32m is one of the best he’s ever played against

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Cesar Azpilicueta has played against some of the best players in the history of football during his storied career.

Azpilicueta has faced off against the likes of Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero on umpteen occasions during his time in the Premier League with Chelsea, while he’s also faced Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in the Champions League too.

However, speaking to ESPN, Azpilicueta gave a very interesting answer when asked to name his three toughest opponents of all-time.

Indeed, Azpilicueta reckons that his three toughest oppponents ever were actually players he also worked alongside at Chelsea.

Didier Drogba and Diego Costa were namechecked when Azpilicueta was naming his toughest opponents, while the Spaniard also named Eden Hazard as one of the best he’s ever played against.

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Cesar Azpilicueta’s three toughest opponents

Azpilicueta named Hazard, Costa and Drogba as his three toughest opponents.

The former Chelsea captain was a top defender on his day – Mohamed Salah even said Azpilicueta was one of his toughest opponents.

However, the Spaniard says that he actually struggled whenever he played against Drogba, Hazard or Costa.

“Wow, well, you know, one that comes out quickly is Eden Hazard. He was my teammate for a long time but when I was at Marseille, I played against him at Lille and I remember a tough time against him,” Azpilicueta

“Didier Drogba, he was at Galatasaray when I was at Chelsea and he was a tough striker. Diego Costa I would say the third one, three that I played with and against them. I could know how they were as a teammate and also as opponents.”

Azpilicueta record vs Drogba, Hazard and Costa

Azpilicueta says that Drogba, Hazard and Costa are his toughest opponents ever, but the stats would suggest otherwise.

Of course, the defender played against these attackers in training everyday, so he knows how good they are, but when he’s played against them competitively, he’s largely done well.

Statistically, Azpilicueta’s toughest ever opponent is actualy Sergio Aguero as he scored 11 goals in games that the former Chelsea star played in.

Of course, you’re never going to have an easy time against Hazard, Drogba or Costa, and particularly against Hazard.

Indeed, Hazard is one of the best dribblers ever, and he could turn any defender inside out.

Cesc Fabregas said Hazard was better than Aguero, and despite the two players’ respective goalscoring records vs Azpilicueta, the defender seems to agree.

At just £32m, Hazard has to be considered one of Chelsea’s best ever signings.