Who Should be Chelsea Captain?

There is no doubt that the most important player on the pitch is the captain. They play a big role on and off the pitch, set an example and are definitely the heart of the team. Yet, it is now October and we still don’t know who the official club captain of Chelsea is.

Maurizio Sarri has already made his decision on who should wear the armband for Chelsea, as per The Telegraph. However, the Italian is yet to tell us, or the players, and is waiting to meet with his Chelsea chiefs to discuss his decision. It is a weird situation, with the Blues deep into the season now. The announcement of the decision has been repeatedly delayed since the start of Sarri’s tenure.

Since club legend John Terry left the club in 2017, Gary Cahill has been the official captain. However, he was not playing every single game last season, so César Azpilicueta was the main recipient of the armband that year as well as during this season. So, the question is who should be Chelsea captain? There are four main candidates who could potentially be the new skipper.

César Azpilicueta

Time at Chelsea: 6 years (2012-)

Trophies: 5

The favourite to be named as new captain, Azpilicueta has assumed the role for about a year in the absence of Gary Cahill from the line-up. The Spaniard is definitely a fan favourite, one of the few players who always truly acknowledges the fans and plays with his heart on his sleeve. Azpilicueta has already expressed his hope of being named captain, having worn the armband in almost every game this season.

Despite a change from a back three to a back four, he has moved back to his original position of right-back and is doing fine, making him a real asset to the team. It is clear that he is a natural leader, one of the many reasons he is up for contention to be Chelsea’s new captain.

Eden Hazard

Time at Chelsea: 6 years (2012-)

Trophies: 5

Chelsea’s star man is having a fantastic season so far, having scored seven goals in eight games so far. His red-hot form could be rewarded with the captaincy, which he has never held. In fact, Hazard has only worn the armband once in Blue, in August’s friendly against Olympique Lyonnais. He has been one of Chelsea’s best players this decade, with beautiful skills and sumptuous goals in his six years at the club.

Another advantage for Hazard is that he has real leadership experience. The Belgian has led his national team as captain 28 times since he assumed the captaincy in 2015, including at this summer’s World Cup. This is a big factor in deciding the next Blues’ captain, as experience is pivotal for the next leader of the football club.

David Luiz

Time at Chelsea: 5 years (2011-2014, 2016-)

Trophies: 3

Although Azpilicueta and Hazard seem to be the two main contenders for the captaincy, there is no harm in putting Daviz Luiz’s name into the mixer. He is loved by the fans, and has had many amazing moments with spectacular goals across his two spells at the Bridge.

However, there remains a concern. Luiz has looked shaky at times this season, and therefore may not be the strongest option to lead the team. As well as this, Sarri may well drop him, in favour of other defensive options such as Andreas Christensen. Nevertheless, he is a dedicated player who clearly loves Chelsea, and would be a honourable captain.

Gary Cahill

Time at Chelsea: 6 years (2012-)

Trophies: 6

Technically the current Chelsea captain, Cahill has been out of favour at Stamford Bridge all year. He was initially named as the successor to John Terry’s captaincy last year, yet his debut as captain saw him sent off after 13 minutes. He has spoken of potentially leaving next January, as his game time his heavily limited. Now 32 and entering the twilight of his career, it seems he is truly past his best days at Chelsea.

Despite this, we should not forget what he has done for the club. He has been a key player in the squad since his move from Bolton Wanderers in January 2012, and in his first five months at Stamford Bridge he won the FA Cup and the Champions League. He has also won two Premier League titles, another FA Cup, a Europa League and a League Cup in his time at Stamford Bridge. He is definitely a loyal and successful servant to the club.

As his banner at the Shed End says, he’s won it all.

So, who should be the new captain of Chelsea? In my opinion, I think it should be César Azpilicueta. I believe he is the best choice in terms of leadership, as well as being a solid player. As well as this, he really seems to love the club, always kissing the badge in celebration. He always plays with such passion and really shows the fans that he loves to play for us, as we love to have him.

That being said, I don’t really mind about who is captain. I would happily see Azpilicueta, Hazard or Luiz wear the armband, and I would still support any of them as I do for any Chelsea player. Now we just have to wait and see what Maurizio Sarri has decided. What we know for sure though, is that whoever assumes the captaincy for Chelsea has some big shoes to fill.