Silva, Kepa, James? Who Pochettino may choose as subsequent Chelsea captain
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helsea supervisor Mauricio Pochettino will quickly have to appoint a brand new captain with Cesar Azpilicueta near becoming a member of Atletico Madrid.
The Blues will allow Azpilicueta to walk away on a free transfer regardless of him nonetheless having an additional yr on his contract.
The exit will come after 11 years of service the place he established himself as a Chelsea legend, captaining the membership for the ultimate 4 years.
Pochettino called for “leaders and not followers“ to emerge in his first official interview as supervisor on Monday.
Here, Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella assesses Pochettino’s choices to take over the Chelsea captaincy.
The 38-year-old is a champion often called a lot for his management qualities as the rest. He has worn the armband for each Chelsea and Brazil and was a part of the Champions League win in 2021. The solely downside is that he doesn’t communicate fluent English.
Amid the exits of Jorginho, Mason Mount, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic, Kepa is among the longest-serving gamers left at Chelsea. Frank Lampard supplied his calm, skilled no1 the armband for the primary time late final season.
Sterling is the one participant in Chelsea’s present squad to have had an important position in successful a Premier League title. The 28-year-old was a marquee signing final summer time and his success with Manchester City means he’s essentially the most adorned participant within the squad.
Captain candidates: Reece James, Thiago Silva and Kepa Arrizabalaga may all take the Chelsea armband
/ Evening StandardNo one understands Chelsea greater than Reece James. The 23-year-old has been with the membership since he was six years outdated and they’re more and more eager to see him take an even bigger management position. He is, nevertheless, famously a reserved character.
Ben Chilwell
Chilwell has been a part of main title wins with each Leicester and Chelsea. The 26-year-old dedicated to a two-year contract extension throughout a troublesome season, highlighting his dedication to the trigger. The England worldwide is open, pleasant and fascinating, identical to Azpilicueta.
Enzo Fernandez
The club-record signing is unlikely to develop into a contender this time round, however Lampard noticed management traits in him whereas caretaker supervisor.