Chelsea boss Antonio Conte hails Cesar Azpilicueta as 'one of the best defenders in the world'

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Chelsea manager Antonio Conte hailed defender Cesar Azpilicueta as 'one of the world's best defenders' after his side's 6-0 demolition of Qarabag in the Champions League.

The Spaniard scored the Blues' third goal at Stamford Bridge as Conte's men easily disposed of the team from Azerbaijan on Tuesday night, meeting a Cesc Fabregas cross to head home.

Azpilicueta played every minute of Chelsea's 38 Premier League games last season and became a vital part of Conte's switch to a back three which helped secure the title, with the Italian gushing while discussing the Spaniard's contribution.   

Cesar Azplicueta scored Chelsea's third goal in their 3-0 victory over Qarabag

His manager, Antonio Conte, hailed him as one of the best defenders in world football

'Last season Azpi was one of the most important players for us,' the Italian said.

'In this position as a central defender he is one of the best in the world. He is very good with and without the ball.

'He's a fantastic guy, he's always positive, and during the training sessions he works in a fantastic way.

'For a coach to have him is a dream.'  

Azpilicueta has become a vital figure as part of Conte's back three at Chelsea

Azpilicueta took to Twitter after the game to show his delight after Chelsea got off to the perfect start in the Champions League, with the Blues now on a run of four straight wins in all competitions after losing the Community Shield to Arsenal and going down at home to Burnley on the opening day of the Premier League season.

They currently sit third, a point behind the two Manchester clubs, City and United, ahead of their home clash with Arsenal on Sunday.