Ben Chilwell stakes claim to be Chelsea’s new captain
Cesar Azpilicueta departed Stamford Bridge earlier this summer after 11 years with the club, the last four of those spent as captain. Mauricio Pochettino has been using pre-season to assess his squad and determine who is best-suited to lead the Blues for the upcoming season and who can inspire the side back to glory following a terrible 2022/23 campaign.
Reece James is the favourite to be handed the armband
Reece James is the favourite to be handed the armband, having donned it in the recent friendly with Newcastle and later saying it would be an ‘honour’ to become captain of his boyhood club. Thiago Silva is also a strong contender having previously skippered PSG and the Brazil national team, while Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez are also under consideration.
Ben Chilwell is up for the challenge
Ben Chilwell will also be in the running given his strong performances and experience, though injury issues have somewhat hampered his impact for the Blues. Nevertheless, the left-back is up for the challenge, saying: ‘Yeah. I would love to be captain. I’m sure you’ve had that answer off a few of the players. Of course, Chelsea Football Club, I’d love to be captain. I was captain of the youth team at Leicester and thoroughly enjoyed being that. Just having that role really. I think it brings the best out in me and my game, having a little bit more pressure and trying to help people around me I think is one of my strengths. 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.’
Chilwell’s impressive record at Chelsea
The 26-year-old joined Chelsea in 2020 from Leicester for £45million, winning the Champions League and UEFA Super Cup the following year. So far, the England international has scored nine goals and made 12 assists in 85 appearances.
Chelsea’s captains in the Premier League era
In the Premier League era, Chelsea have been captained by Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, John Terry, Marc Desailly, Dennis Wise and Andy Townsend.
Conclusion
Ben Chilwell has staked his claim to be Chelsea’s new captain with Mauricio Pochettino yet to select Cesar Azpilicueta’s replacement. With Reece James, Thiago Silva, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez also in contention, Chilwell will have to prove himself if he is to be given the honour of leading his boyhood club. Despite injury issues hampering his impact for Chelsea, Chilwell is up for the challenge and has an impressive record since joining from Leicester in 2020.