Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is happy to count on Cesar Azpilicueta as his captain.

Lampard knows from his time as a team-mate of the Spaniard that the defender is more than capable of dealing with such scrutiny and has all the tools to come through any difficult spells.

"I played with Azpilicueta and I know him very well," said Lampard. "He's the first player to stand up, which is the reason he's captain because of that professionalism and attitude, and he's been an incredible player for the club.

"He will be more aware than anyone of his form but he'll also be the first one who'll want to address it and look to do that in every minute of training. He's a big player for us, a great personality and I'm hugely behind him.

"I remember countless times in my career playing with players who had these moments for whatever reasons and the top players come through it. Azpilicueta is a top player for us but I don't think there are any major issues there. In the modern day, when all eyes are on you, people will react to any little mistake and players just have to put up with that."