The captain debate is a really interesting one, but this weekend we will see a conclusion on this and who Mauricio Pochettino picks as his new permanent Chelsea captain, and the vice.
It’s obviously going to be a massive decision for Poch, probably one of the biggest he will make at the club. There are many things to factor in on this, including experience, how vocal the candidate is, how they lead by example on and off the pitch, how they motivate team mates, and of course, how often they are expected to be on the pitch regardless.
The unfortunate thing here really is that right now, I still don’t see an ideal candidate in our squad. But we do have candidates who would be a fair choice, and candidates that will grow into the role and get much better at it.
Pochettino looks to be considering a handful of players for the role including Thiago Silva, Ben Chiwell, and Reece James.
I think James would be a good choice and can become a top captain. But as of right now I don’t think he is vocal enough on the pitch and therefore is not a perfect candidate. Does the word perfect even exist though?
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Thiago Silva also isn’t a perfect candidate. I don’t think when everyone is fit he will even be starting much, and also, I don’t see him vocal enough on the pitch either and of course, is not a strong English speaker. Experience wise and leading by example there is no better choice, but I would rather see him as a vice maybe.
Ben Chilwell I also see as a solid option but again not perfect. He is someone I do see a little more vocal on the pitch, but he doesn’t quite tick all the boxes either.
The most perfect person I see as captain is Enzo Fernandez, although I have to contradict myself here and say that he actually isn’t perfect due to the fact he also does not speak English well enough yet, and he’s still rather fresh to the club.
For me, players like Raheem Sterling and Kepa Arrizabalaga should not even enter the captains conversation on a permanent basis, and there aren’t many others in this squad who right now, are a good captain option. We do have some leaders and some up and coming potential captains in this squad, but they aren’t close to it yet.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
It’s such a tough pick, and one that I can not make a decision on clearly anyway. I’m split on it. I’d actually pick Enzo if he was fluent in English and maybe he has become much better at English now because he has been learning and he has probably come quite far in half a season. But really, my gut tells me it should actually be James and that he will develop in to a top class club captain. He knows the club inside and out, he fights for the badge, he is proud to wear the badge, and he says all the right things and fights for Chelsea on and off the pitch. I think I do see James as the best candidate, but I also want to see him more vocal and motivating on the pitch. Will that come with age? Probably.
We will soon find out who the next permanent captain is because Poch will be making his final decision ahead of the Liverpool game on Sunday. He might even announce it before the game, even in the pre-match presser. But lets see.
Discussion about this post