Cesar Azpilicueta: I am happy to challenge Ashley Cole for left-back slot

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta is determined to claim the left-back spot in the starting 11 and keep Ashley Cole at bay.

The Spaniard is naturally a right-sided defender but has had to fill in on the opposite side under Jose Mourinho.

He claims to have settled into the new role having played there against Schalke and West Bromwich Albion.

He said in the Daily Star: “Every time I have more minutes, I feel better.

“Provided I can play and be useful to the team, I’d be delighted to stay on the left for the whole season.”

Cole has dropped out of the team following the side’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle United but Jose Mourinho insists the left-back spot is still very much open for competition.

The Chelsea boss said: “Ashley is a top professional, he is a fighter. He has to work hard, to fight hard, because the place is his place.

“Of course it is not Azpilicueta’s best position and it is not a position where Ashley can think that he is in trouble.

“No, he has to just work and fight, the position is there waiting for him.”

The Spaniard has played just four Premier League games this season but has one of the highest passing accuracies in the team with 87%.