When John Terry announced last week that he’s set to end his long-term association with Chelsea this summer, there were many tears at the Transfer Tavern by those that idolise them.
The former England captain has led Chelsea throughout their most successful period in history, lifting everything from the Premier League to the Champions League- breaking out a full kit for the latter, despite being suspended for the final.
Alas, all good things must come to an end and the 35-year-old will hang up the Chelsea armband this summer when he completes an expected exit, which is unlikely to see him remain in the Premier League.
As such, our landlord sparked a discussion as to which players could take the armband upon Terry’s exit as he asked for five players that our punters feel could be future captains at Stamford Bridge.
After scratching their heads for quite a while, the lads playing pool were pleased with the shortlist that they assembled- and you can see it here!
Hit Terry below to see FIVE Chelsea players who could be future captains!
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Gary Cahill
Despite being linked with his own exit this summer, it’s extremely unlikely that Chelsea would allow themselves to lose experienced duo Terry and Gary Cahill in the same summer- especially after seeing Manchester United encountering problems after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand left Old Trafford.
Should Cahill stay, he’s undoubtably the comfortable choice to succeed his defensive partner as the next Chelsea captain and giving the England international the armband would increase the likelihood of a smooth transition.
At 30-years-old, Cahill is experienced enough to take the responsibility without any problems.
Nemanja Matic
27-year-old Nemanja Matic is a player who knows Chelsea very well, having impressed in Portugal with Benfica after his first spell with the club. After three years on the continent, he returned to Stamford Bridge and was a crucial part of their title winning side last term.
The performances of the Serbian this season have been sub-par but to be fair to him, there isn’t many of his colleagues who have actually impressed this term. A powerful midfielder who has years ahead of him, Matic would be a strong contender to take the armband.
Kurt Zouma
The 21-year-old has risen to fame in recent years after breaking his way into Chelsea’s starting line-up and he’s now considered to be a first-team regular. Upon Terry’s departure this summer, the French international will find himself at the heart of the back-line every week.
Whilst he’s still very young, the talented defensive prospect would be a leading choice for Chelsea skipper as he could hold the armband for a long period and follow in the footsteps of John Terry himself.
This would work particularly well if Zouma was made vice-captain to Cahill for the next few years, before stepping into the position himself upon the exit of another experienced name in the Chelsea back-line.
Thibaut Courtois
The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper is widely regarded as one of the best stoppers in the world and Chelsea will be keen to ensure he remains at Stamford Bridge for the long-term. Whilst he’s one of many linked with an exit this summer, the proposition of wearing the armband could change his mind.
It’s relatively rare to see a goalkeeper as club captain in the modern game but with an experienced spine throughout the team, Courtois could easily get the message across to his team-mates. Like Zouma, he’d be a solid choice if Chelsea wanted another long-term captain at the club.
Cesar Azpilicueta
26-year-old full-back Azpilicueta has made the left-back position his own, despite his natural position being on the opposite flank. The Spaniard has excelled for club and country in recent years, making him a solid pick to take the armband.
With the experience and a regular role in the defence, Azpilicueta could ensure a smooth transition following the exit of John Terry. He’s a shining example of what a modern day full-back should be and his experience should rub off onto his team-mates, which is crucial to any potential armband-wearing star.
