Chelsea's three new ‘leaders' identified in Enzo Maresca's revolutionised squad
Former Chelsea skipper Gary Cahill has pinpointed the future leaders of the club after he himself evolved into a role of responsibility at Stamford Bridge. The two-time Premier League -winner arrived to little fanfare when he joined Chelsea from Bolton in January 2012, but supporters grew to love Cahill for his commitment to the cause.
Enzo Maresca 's side boasted the youngest squad in the Premier League last season. Chelsea had with an average age of just 23.6 years – almost a full year less than nearest rivals Brighton.
A heavy representation of youth often comes with a shortfall in leadership, however, and could be one area in which the drive to recruit young prospects hurts the club in the short term.
Cahill, who clinched the Champions League in his first six months at Chelsea, matured into a commanding figure during his seven-year tenure in west London. And the club ambassador pinpointed the prospects under Maresca whom he believes have what it takes to lead the Blues' latest resurgence.
"I think Levi [Colwill]. He's one of them," he told football.london, courtesy of BetMGM. "I remember doing a TV game [as a pundit], and I questioned him on that, because I felt that it's definitely his next string to his bow now. He's playing at a level that's top, and now you can add that other side to you, that other character in terms of leadership.
"He can 100% be one of those leaders and that focal point. I had a different upbringing when I was at Chelsea. Like you said, I [joined] fully established international serial winners. I came into that, and I was the one that wasn't that.
"I was the one that had to learn and listen and grow into that role. I did that at an older age than what Levi is now, so for sure, he can do the same thing."
Colwill, 22, was long marked out by Chelsea's academy chiefs as a future linchpin for the senior squad. His impressive loan stint at Brighton, who tried to sign the player permanently, followed by his consistency in defence for Maresca has already made him a favourite among fans.
It was a moment to savour when the four-time England international netted the decisive goal against Nottingham Forest to ensuring Chelsea's spot in the Champions League on the final day last season. Having worn the captain's armband for the first time in December 2023 at just 20, he has also led the team during their triumphant Club World Cup run this summer.
Colwill has shuffled between defensive roles but now seems to have cemented his place in central defence for Chelsea. Yet he's not the only definite starter tipped by Cahill, who hung up his boots in 2022, to spur the club onto the next level.
"I think Moises Caicedo, I think he has that," added the 39-year-old. "Again, just knowing him around, speaking to players, the way that he conducts himself around the training ground, the way he trains, the levels he demands. I think he's already got that with the sounds of it.
"Obviously, you've got Enzo [Fernandez]. He's one of the experienced players there, who can bring a lot. There's a few in and amongst that, and I feel like that's the challenge now for some of these younger players coming through who are playing regularly to take that next level."
The situation becomes rather more complex when considering neither Caicedo, 23, nor Fernandez, 24, speak English as their mother tongue. Yet both midfield mavericks have demonstrated deeds on the pitch frequently carry far greater weight than words can.
World Cup champion Fernandez and Caicedo, who have each captained Chelsea at points already, experienced their share of growing pains since joining for a combined £222million. Nevertheless, both were crucial figures last term after clocking up 101 appearances between them, delivering their finest campaigns in blue to date.
It's hardly shocking the duo have become so indispensable considering their eye-watering price tags. Yet modern football has repeatedly shown us massive outlay doesn't necessarily translate into bang for one's buck.
Chelsea have shaped their own leader and potential club captain in Colwill. However, Cahill is also encouraged to see players like Fernandez and Caicedo, who was the target of controversial criticism from Paul Scholes, demonstrating their value, and hopes they continue to do so for years to come.
Gary Cahill was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win over £27m today with MGM Millions. BeGambleAware 18+
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36 minutes ago
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