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Pedro will prosper in England, says Chelsea defender Azpilicueta

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IANS London

Chelsea full back Cesar Azpilicueta on Monday backed fellow Spaniard Pedro Rodriguez to build on his successful debut for the English Premier League (EPL) champions.

Pedro was handed a spot in the starting XI by manager Jose Mourinho during his Chelsea debut in an EPL game away to West Bromwich Albion on Sunday.

The former Barcelona winger was in excellent form, scoring one goal and setting up another for striker Diego Costa as the Londoners sealed a 3-2 verdict to register the first victory of their campaign.

Pedro's performance came as no surprise to Azpilicueta, who has played alongside the 27-year-old for the Spanish national team on several occasions.

 

"I know him very well and he fits into the team very well. I know his ambition, he is hungry to help the team, win trophies and I know the way he started the first game is amazing," Azpilicueta was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

"I know from the national team he is a top player, he played for Barcelona for so many years and he fits into our team and the Premier League."

The 25-year-old defender asserted that Pedro will continue to improve as he adapts to the fast paced, physical brand of football in England.

"He will do. He has trained one week, he played his first game, he is discovering the Premier League and I'm sure he will get better. In England a few things are different like the pace and teams push until the end, even when they are losing," he said.

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First Published: Aug 24 2015 | 8:26 PM IST

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