5 Blues Who Could Become Chelsea FC’s Next Captain

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: John Terry of Chelsea appeals to an assistant referee during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: John Terry of Chelsea appeals to an assistant referee during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Willian of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 19: Willian of Chelsea in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on March 19, 2016 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /

2. Willian

Willian is the only player that looks even remotely happy – let alone proud – to wear blue to work this season. He’s also the only player consistently performing at or above standards, sometimes in games when he seems to be the only man in motion. His performance this season should earn him the respect of his peers. That is, as long as they don’t think he’s the teacher’s pet in the sullen, emo way many of his teammates have been comporting themselves.

The flip side of Willian’s style of play is that it does not lend itself to detecting and directing strategic turning points in the course of a match. His high-paced, sometimes frenetic, movement about the pitch makes him an offensive threat but limits his positioning to shift the course of play. And given Willian’s ability to put free-kicks in the back of the net from any angle and distance, the club may prioritize having him standing over the kick rather than directing the formation.

Next: 3. Cesar Azpilicueta