Chelsea FC manager Antonio Conte has made Gary Cahill the Blues captain for next season but fans and myself alike think David Luiz should’ve been given the armband.
Chelsea FC manager Antonio Conte has given the armband to Gary Cahill who will replace John Terry as the new captain for next season.
However, Conte hinted that Cahill could be rotated in the coming season with multiple competitions on the horizon, so the vice captaincy role could be indeed be significant.
"“I think that it’s right to continue with Cahill, if he plays, it’s right he’s the captain.“Why? Because he stayed in Chelsea for many years and played a lot of games and showed good characteristics to be this.”"
But, David Luiz should be the captain. It was clear to see why if you watched the recent pre-season friendly against Bayern Munich. Gary Cahill was barely noticeable throughout the match, and I’m not just talking about his defending abilities. He showed very little leadership and failed to instruct the other players in the team, let alone the other defenders.
Chelsea FC were clearly lacking a vocal leader akin to John Terry in the match and nobody took the mantle until David Luiz was introduced late into the second half.
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Luiz was dominant and aggressive from the first minute he came on the pitch. He told the other defenders where to go, he gave encouragement to the other players and he attacked and defended with no fear. Yes it’s true Luiz is prone to the odd mistake here and there but at least he runs towards the attackers when he defends rather than backing away like Cahill and Christensen.
As soon as Luiz had come on there was a certain lift in the other players. Chelsea were suddenly present in the game and had started to actually make runs and pressure the Bayern Munich players in possession. It was almost like Luiz had an effect on the other players. And that’s exactly what a captain is there for. That’s what a captain does. He inspires his team to fight.
Cahill, I’m afraid, despite his long servitude for the club is not captain material. This is despite Cahill winning the Premier League last season as the stand-in captain.
Luiz seemed the ideal candidate for the captaincy after he put in a superb first season back at Chelsea. His leadership on the pitch and off is truly valuable. Conte has dropped the ball here. He clearly didn’t want to take the risk of disrupting the team’s harmony by changing the captain but this is a risk that should’ve been made.
Fans alike are also adamant that Luiz should’ve been made captain while others say that Cahill deserves the title.
David Luiz should be captain of @ChelseaFC leader of Men
— kj (@dave__kj) July 25, 2017
He's English, and he looks like Terry and next season Conte has decided he will be Captain. Cahill Stronger!
— Ejaa (@muharrirrezaef) July 25, 2017
However, David Luiz may indeed have the opportunity to captain Chelsea next season with multiple tournaments meaning rotation will be necessary. Cahill will likely be rested or fight for his place with new signing Antonio Rudiger which would mean the vice captain would take over. It’s not been confirmed yet who that would be, but it’s highly likely he or Cesar Azpilicueta will get it.
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Chelsea FC will hope that Cahill steps up his leadership qualities next season if they have any chance of competing for the Champions League and Premier League.