Dario Essugo says captaining Chelsea “means everything” after Xabi Alonso unexpectedly handed the midfielder the armband for Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Johor Darul Ta’zim.
The 21-year-old led a much-changed Chelsea side out at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as Alonso rotated his entire starting XI less than 24 hours after beating AC Milan.
Essugo admitted he had not expected the responsibility but believes the decision sent an important message about the trust Chelsea’s new head coach places in his young squad.
“It was a surprise to be captain, but for me, it was a pleasure,” Essugo told Chelsea’s official website.
“I didn’t expect to be captain at this age for this big club, so for me it’s just a pleasure, and I enjoyed it a lot. For me it means everything.”
Chelsea captaincy surprise shows Alonso’s faith in Essugo
Essugo started in central midfield alongside Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli as Chelsea completed the Asian leg of their pre-season programme.
ReadChelsea’s match report from the 3-3 draw detailed how Liam Delap scored twice from the penalty spot before a late own goal prevented Alonso’s side from ending the tour with a defeat.
For Essugo, however, the afternoon carried greater personal significance.
Reece James remains Chelsea’s permanent captain under Alonso, but handing the armband to Essugo in Malaysia was another indication of the responsibility the Spaniard is prepared to give younger members of his squad.
The Portugal Under-21 international believes maturity rather than age was behind the decision.
He said the captaincy was a message to Chelsea’s players that leadership is not determined simply by experience, adding that they must continue learning and remaining positive.
Essugo also spoke warmly about working with Alonso and described the former Real Madrid midfielder as a “very good person”.
Chelsea now return to Cobham after completing a five-match overseas tour ahead of the new Premier League season.
Essugo still faces significant competition for midfield minutes, but being trusted to lead the side at 21 represents an encouraging end to his summer away with the first team.
