Chelsea's looming captaincy crisis

James Shearman

• Updated: 10 Mar 2022 03:07 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel will face the dilemma of choosing the club's next captain in the summer transfer window.

Long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta is set to leave, after a trophy-laden decade in west London, meaning the role will be vacant.

The Blues have had a history of exceptional leaders, including the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard as well as Azpilicueta in recent times.

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So, opting for the right man to succeed the Spaniard is all the more important.

And, to make matters more difficult, there isn't an obvious choice, with as many as 4 viable candidates for Tuchel to choose between.

Chelsea captaincy dilemma

Jorginho

Jorginho is the current vice captain, meaning he would make for an easy transition once Azpilicueta leaves.

The 30-year-old has also been at the club for three seasons and has a vast amount of other experiences, such as Euro 2020 success, to rely upon if given the leadership role.

However, the issue with giving it to the Italian is a lack of longevity. His contract is up at the end of next season, so he would likely only have the captaincy for year - if he isn't sold this summer.

Thiago Silva

Speaking of experience, Thiago Silva has more of that than most. The Brazilian has spent over a decade at the elite level.

Add to that, giving Silva the captain's armband would go down incredibly well with the Blues faithful, given his fan-favourite status.

But, again, the longevity of the decision is questionable as there is only 15 months left on his contract.

Antonio Rudiger

Rudiger would be an unlikely captain, given his rather strange demeanor on the pitch.

Though, he is most definitely a leader of men, and would command the respect of both the dressing room and opposition.

The German's contract is up in June, however, so this could help to tie him down to a new deal.

Reece James

Reece James appears to be quiet, but has previously expressed his desire to captain the club.

And, in fairness, he doesn't seem as shy on the pitch as he does off it.

At 22 years of age, his authority within the dressing room, or lack thereof, would provide cause for concern.