Chelsea news: Cesar Azpilicueta backs hit-man Alvaro Morata to fire Blues to glory

The Spaniard was signed in the summer to replace Diego Costa, who was told by Chelsea boss Antonio Conte he was surplus to replacements at the club.

And after three goals in five games, Morata’s already solid beginning to life at Chelsea was cemented at the weekend when he scored a hat-trick against Stoke.

Morata is expected to start for Chelsea against Atletico Madrid tomorrow night on his first return to Spain and Azpilicueta is already impressed with how he’s performing.

He said: “I think he has adapted really well to the team and the way we play. The desire to be a big part of the team is huge. 

“He is getting the reward he wants. I am trying to help him on and off the pitch. He is scoring goals and that is the main thing for him.”

Costa’s move to Atletico is yet to be confirmed and he won’t be coming up against his old team-mates tomorrow night.

And that is something which pleases Azpilicueta.

He said: “He has moved to a new club and we have to deal with that. 

“For them not to play with him tomorrow is better for us, he is a top striker and to not play against him is a little advantage for us.”