Gary Cahill names Cesar Azpilicueta as most underrated teammate he’s played with

Chelsea legend Gary Cahill has singled out César Azpilicueta as the most underrated teammate of his entire career, describing the versatile Spanish defender as “world-class” despite often going under the radar due to his position and selfless style of play.

In a recent interview with the Premier League’s official TikTok channel, the former England international and Chelsea captain reflected on his time at Stamford Bridge alongside some of the finest talents in world football. When directly asked to name the most underrated player he shared a dressing room with, Cahill immediately highlighted Azpilicueta, who joined Chelsea from Marseille for just £7 million in 2012.

“I don’t think he’s underrated. Well I know he’s not underrated because he’s world-class, but Azpilicueta — just played in that unflattering position but someone who was so, so good,” Cahill said.

The 40-year-old Cahill, who made 289 appearances for Chelsea between 2012 and 2019, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup, emphasised Azpilicueta’s exceptional consistency, versatility, and professionalism. Azpilicueta, affectionately known as “Dave” by fans and teammates, famously played in every single minute of Chelsea’s 2016/17 Premier League title-winning campaign under Antonio Conte and adapted seamlessly across right-back, left-back, and central defence throughout his 11-year stay at the club.

Cahill’s praise underscores the quiet but immense contribution Azpilicueta made during one of the most successful periods in modern Chelsea history. While more glamorous attackers like Eden Hazard often stole the headlines, Azpilicueta’s reliability, leadership, and defensive intelligence were vital to the team’s success. He went on to captain the side and became one of the most decorated players in Chelsea’s history before departing for Atlético Madrid in 2023.

“Gary played in Chelsea teams that had some of the most technically-gifted players in the Premier League,” a club insider noted. “As a result, he and certain teammates like Azpilicueta sometimes went under the radar despite being outstanding footballers in their own right.”

Azpilicueta, now 36, remains active at Atlético Madrid and continues to earn respect across European football for his enduring quality and exemplary attitude. He made over 500 appearances for Chelsea and won every major honour available at club level.

Cahill’s comments have resonated strongly with Chelsea supporters, many of whom have long regarded Azpilicueta as one of the most under-appreciated players of the club’s Abramovich and Boehly eras. The revelation adds to the growing appreciation for the “quiet leaders” who formed the backbone of title-winning sides.

**Quotes from Gary Cahill**  

“When asked to name the most underrated teammate he has played with, Cahill told the Premier League’s official TikTok account: ‘I don’t think he’s underrated... but Azpilicueta, just played in that unflattering position but someone who was so, so good.’”