Top 3 candidates to become new Chelsea captain

Mauricio Pochettino has to appoint a new captain ahead of his first season at Stamford Bridge.

With César Azpilicueta’s departure to Atletico Madrid, Mauricio Pochettino faces the challenging task of selecting a new captain for Chelsea in his first month at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues’ mass clearout further complicates the decision, leaving only a handful of candidates to take over the role.

3- Ben Chilwell

Arriving at Chelsea in 2020 under Frank Lampard, Ben Chilwell has proven to be a valuable addition despite facing injury setbacks. His understanding of the club’s values and impressive performances in training have caught Pochettino’s eye. So far, Chilwell is the only player who has publicly expressed his interest in becoming Chelsea’s new captain.
In an interview with Caught Offside, the 26-year-old said earlier this month: “I would love to be captain. I’m sure you’ve had that answer off a few of the players. It’s Chelsea, so I’d love to be captain.

“Whether I get it or not, it’s not going to take away from my role. I don’t think you need an armband to be a leader, so whether I get it or I don’t I’ll continue to do what I’m doing.”

2- Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva, a veteran defender, is considered a stopgap solution due to his age. Turning 40 this year, he may not be a regular starter in the upcoming season. However, Silva’s experience and mentorship capabilities make him a valuable candidate to guide potential successors like Reece James and Enzo Fernandez.

John Terry has recently emphasized that the new skipper should be a regular starter, which could be a hurdle for Silva.

1- Reece James

Reece James emerges as the apparent front-runner for the captaincy, especially in the eyes of the fans. A product of Chelsea’s Academy, James has been with the club since the tender age of six, showcasing his unwavering loyalty to the Blues.

He has already donned the armband on a few occasions during his time at Chelsea, further cementing his suitability for the role. Pochettino announcing James as the permanent captain would hardly be surprising given his strong connection with the club and potential for inspirational leadership.