Chelsea winger Victor Moses has praised his club teammate Cesar Azpilicueta after his nomination as part of a 5-man shortlist for the BBC African Footballer of the Year Award.
Moses further said that the aforementioned Azpilicueta has been a big influence on him most especially the defensive part of his game as a wing back.
The Super Eagles forward was speaking in an interview with Goal.com. He said:
“I’d say Azpilicueta [has influenced me most].”
“He played a huge part in my defensive development last season.” he added.
Speaking further, the former Crystal Palace, Liverpool and Stoke City man said:
“He is always behind me, always constantly talking to me to make sure I am in the right position. When is the time to go and when’s the time to stay.
“The more games I was playing, [the more] we were getting used to the formation and position I was playing, which worked out well for me and he helped a lot.
“He understands me. We established a partnership which was very good.
“To me, I would say that Cesar is underrated. As a defender he has got everything. He’s quick, he’s got that desire, passion for the game. He just wants to play football. Azpilicueta is never tired. He can run all night in every minute. He wants to play every game.
“I think he could play on a Saturday and then again on a Monday. He’s got a great ability.
“It is great for us that we have him. He’s someone that loves the game. He is always talking to every player before games. He wakes everyone up and says we have got to go out there and win this game.
“The position I am playing at right wing-back, I know I can score goals there. Wherever the manager plays me, I will play. I am not a player who tells him where I want to play and where I don’t want to play. I just want to enjoy my football. It is just a matter of time and the goals will come.
“I am now used to this system after playing there last year. I hope to score more goals this season and help my team-mates. As a player, every season you want to do better than you did last season.
“I want to be better this season than last season. I am aiming for more goals and assists.
“I have already got the fitness. First of all, it is about the hard work you put in to help the team as much as you can. Going forward, I would like more goals and assists.” he concluded.
Victor Moses is on the 5-man shortlist alongside Sadio Mane, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mohamed Salah and Naby Keita with the winner expected to be made known next month.
Source: Goal
