Azpilicueta reaches this Euro as European champion. And not only that, but also as the captain of the team that lifted the Champions League in Porto . With experience and stripes, but with the illusion of a footballer who assumes his presence in this tournament as a new opportunity to enjoy Spain again . After a long time without going, Luis Enrique had his presence at the last minute and the Navarrese has not taken long to become one of the heavyweights of a young dressing room and without a defined leader, but who has a small group of footballers trained to transmit peace of mind in good times and bad.
“He is a silent leader. He is always a support and is very aware of the young people “ , they assure from within the National Team. Azpilicueta is a shadow boss. Without giving a voice, without wearing the bracelet, but the best assistant of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, the two captains of Spain. From his tranquility and experience, he has become a key piece off the field both for his teammates and for sending the messages abroad that the team demands.
Azpilicueta is the only player who has gone to a press conference twice since the concentration of Spain started. The first time in the previous one against Portugal, where he arrived after being European champion. A quiet press conference, in which nothing had happened yet. The second, after the duel against Poland. A draw that hurt, that left the group touched and the fans worried . The criticism did not stop and the first meeting with the media was not going to be comfortable. The communication department of the National Team thought of the Chelsea captain and he accepted and embroidered it. Clear in your message. Acknowledging the mistakes. Without avoiding any questions. And the situation was not the best, but the Navarrese complied with note.
Until then, Azpilicueta’s best play had been off the field in this European Championship, but against Slovakia Luis Enrique gave him the opportunity to start and his game was more than remarkable. From the right side he had a great game, showing that he is ready for when you need it, whether on or off the pitch.
