I love Cesar Azpilicueta, his passion and desire to play for and win for this club is totally admirable, and during his reign as club captain, he has only improved in the role.
To begin with, he was still rather ‘quiet’ for the type of captains we have grown used to seeing at the club, he would often shy away when things were going bad. But right now, he has earned that title of a true leader, and there is no doubt in my mind he will go down as a Chelsea legend.
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However, we are coming close to a time where he might soon be passing the baton more often than not, with some signs of slowing down as he reaches his early 30s. Don’t get me wrong, he still has A LOT to offer and can easily remain in the spine of the team, which is SO important.
Further up the field though, a player that is also moulding his own spine of team is Mason Mount. The 22-year old is about to make his 100th competitive appearance for Chelsea tonight in the semi final of the Champions League, and what an achievement that will be for him.
Mount has already been named captain by Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, and although he will take some time to grow into a real leader just like Azpi did, he absolutely has all the qualities needed to take the his baton when that time comes.
He is getting more vocal by the match, and he leads by example. He is already conducting and driving Chelsea’s press, and his captaincy skills are already shining through.
What you want from your captain is to lead by example and be a motivator for the rest of your team mates, whether that is vocal encouragement and organisation on the pitch, or grasping the game by the scruff of the neck yourself when things are not going right and setting the example to your team mates. Mason can grow into both of these and he is already showing it.
He came through the academy as a young kid, he already lives and breathes this football club, and he will honour and own that armband whenever he puts it on, which will be more often than not in the coming years mark my words.
Fully deserving if he gets it. A player who may not yet be outstanding in any area of his game, but is very, very good at pretty much everything. And only 22. He’s the type of player true fans love because he leaves everything on the pitch. Can only see… Read more »