John Terry; Didier DrogbaGetty Images

Azpilicueta calls on Chelsea to maintain the standards set by Terry, Lampard & Drogba

Cesar Azpilicueta is looking for Chelsea’s class of 2019 to maintain the standards set by the likes of John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Petr Cech.

Since the arrival of Roman Abramovich in west London, the Blues have become a force to be reckoned with.

Premier League titles, domestic prizes and a Champions League crown have been secured by an ambitious outfit that has invested heavily in top talent.

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Chelsea have been able to acquire players who boast both the ability and character to chase down major honours and inspire those around them.

The club’s current squad have been accused of lacking those leadership traits, with club captain Azpilicueta aware that he and his team-mates have some big boots to fill.

The Spanish told the Blues’ official website when quizzed on the importance of the personalities that once graced the ranks at Stamford Bridge: “I was lucky to share the dressing room with all of them, plus Ashley Cole and Branislav Ivanovic.

“There were so many players that were all different personalities, different characters, but you could learn from them because they were so successful in the team. They won every trophy but they were hungry to win more.

“They were amazing people, amazing leaders, and we could learn a lot from them personally from the first day. But gradually they left and we have to take the responsibility. Everyone is different and we just try to keep the club at the highest level by giving everything.

“Over the years I have played with a lot of players and I’ve had the chance to learn on the pitch, off the pitch, in every training session, every game, and experience different competitions. We were lucky to share very good memories, to win trophies together. We just try to carry on the way they made the club, to fight for trophies, and hopefully we can be successful.”

Cesar Azpilicueta Chelsea Slavia PragueGetty Images

Chelsea missed out on silverware to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final this season, but have another showpiece event to take in before 2018-19 comes to a close.

They are currently readying themselves for a Europa League final clash with Arsenal in Baku on May 29.

Azpilicueta will lead the Blues into battle and is honoured to have taken on the role of skipper after seeing Gary Cahill slip down the pecking order.

He added: “Obviously it’s something I’m very proud of.

“I already take responsibility on and off the pitch, trying to give my best for the club, for my team-mates, to help to get the targets, but to wear the armband gives you extra responsibility and I always try to do the best I can and help whoever I can.

“I’m one of the most senior players in the squad now. Some of us have been together for quite a long time so I try to help with the experience that we have here, to try to find a way to get the results.”

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