Cesar Azpilicueta more important to Chelsea than Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata - Lampard

The Blues hero believes the Spanish defender is integral to any success Antonio Conte’s side have.

Azpilicueta usually plays as part of the Italian’s back three and has been impressive in recent seasons.

Lampard told BT Sport: “You can rely on him every day of the week.

“He trains at 100 per cent, hardly gets injured because he’s such a good professional.

“We always talk about the Costas and now we’ll talk about Morata and Hazard.

“(But) I think he is as integral to the Chelsea team in the way he plays and what he gives off, as all of those players.”

Azpilicueta has started alongside Morata and Hazard tonight in the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.

The Blues are looking to get a crucial victory which would see them become favourites to finish top of Group C.

Chelsea thrashed Qarabag 6-0 in their first match of the Champions League this season.

After the game this evening in Madrid the Blues face Manchester City in the top flight on Saturday at 5.30pm.