This summer, Chelsea will be looking for a new first-team captain for the first time since 2004, following John Terry’s departure from club.
Terry captained the Blues since Jose Mourinho handed him the armband full-time in 2004, but he has now left the club to join Aston Villa.
Terry was Chelsea’s best ever and most successful captain, winning numerous trophies and accolades in the years he spent as skipper. Whoever replaces him as the club’s captain has huge boots to fill.
David Luiz recently told the Evening Standard that Antonio Conte is yet to name a new captain, but one should be named very shortly.
We’ve taken a look at five possible candidates who could replace Terry as Chelsea captain:
Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill is one candidate for the full-time captaincy.
The 31-year-old has been with the club since January 2012 and has been a vital member of the Chelsea defence ever since.
In Terry’s absence last season, Cahill captained the side and is the most likely option to take the armband permanently in the summer. In addition to leading Chelsea, Cahill has captained England on a number of occasions.
Thibaut Courtois
Another option for Chelsea’s next captain is Thibaut Courtois.
Since displacing Petr Cech as the club’s first-choice keeper, Courtois has become a key player at Stamford Bridge, playing behind Terry on a number of occasions.
Although he has little captaincy experience, Courtois knows the club well and could make a good captain, should Conte hand him the armband.
Eden Hazard
Eden Hazard is another potential Chelsea captain.
The Belgian winger has been at the club since the summer of 2012 and is without a doubt one of Chelsea’s best players at this moment in time.
Hazard is the current vice-captain of the Belgium national side, and even captained his country at the 2016 European Championships, after regular captain Vincent Kompany missed the tournament through injury.
Cesar Azpilicueta
The ever consistent Cesar Azpilicueta should be considered as a possible captain next season.
The Spaniard is a fan favourite and has lined up alongside Terry on several occasions, becoming an influential part of the Chelsea back-line, since joining from Marseille in August 2012.
Like Courtois, Azpilicueta has little experience in being a captain, but would make for a popular choice if selected.
David Luiz
After a brilliant first season back at Stamford Bridge, Luiz could be a contender to take the armband next season.
The Brazilian re-joined the club from PSG last summer and cemented his spot in Conte’s side after the Italian switched to the 3-4-3 formation.
In his first spell, Luiz was always touted as a future successor to Terry as Chelsea captain and could take the armband for himself now the former skipper has departed.
The centre-back is a fan favourite, and many would like to see him wearing the armband.
