3 Potential Chelsea captains as Maresca strongly criticises Reece James

Which three Chelsea stars could potentially be the new Blues captain amid strong criticism of current club skipper Reece James from Enzo Maresca? Will the hypothetical fresh leader be a defensive combatant, a midfield stalwart, or a forward with flair? We detail a trio of capable candidates waiting in the wings, so to speak.

The real reason Enzo Maresca strongly criticised CFC defender Reece James was revealed to be due to his dressing room influence. Or a lack thereof. Yet there was an indication from the former Leicester City head coach that James's performance was unsatisfactory versus Liverpool as well. So just how bad was the attacking right back against Arne Slot's Reds? And is it fair to judge such a typically influential player upon his latest return from injury?

In addition to this, we briefly look at the coming clash with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon. Magpies manager Eddie Howe spoke to media during his pre-match press conference, as all gaffers do. The ex-Bournemouth boss talked of one aspect Maresca supposedly improved on Fulham Road. Is the Newcastle man on to something here?

Eddie Howe says Enzo Maresca stamped authority on Chelsea very quickly

The Italian does have the Blues playing his own way. Though not always overly entertaining and sometimes too pragmatic, the 44-year-old must be praised for the assimilation occurring at the Bridge. Along with stating this, Howe added that Maresca is 'very clever' at managing his teams. The Pride of London agree.

3 Possible players to takeover from contemporary captain Reece James

A new CFC figurehead might perhaps be required in Maresca's squad. A few Blues stand out as arguably decent choices to replace James if he is supplanted from his role. What the one-time Manchester City coach said on the matter is below, incidentally:

"He [James] is on the way, he’s doing well, he’s progressing, but from Reece I expected more also in terms of leadership. Most of the time when they are captain, they think that because they are captain they have more, ‘because I am the captain, I expect that you give me more’. For me, because you are the captain you have to give more. You have to give more than the rest. And sometimes it’s, ‘OK, I am the captain I can give less’, no. He’s one of the captains and I expected from him, and his teammates expected from him, to give always more in terms of leadership in general."

- Enzo Maresca

I am not wholly championing what Maresca said, or a demotion of James. The England international is a superb and eminent footballer when fit. Though keeping his place in the starting line-up is conceivably the prime concern for James. Malo Gusto is definitely ready to be a permanent fixture in the XI.

Cole Palmer could be called upon to be the new captain. Some like the most talented to lead by skilled example. I'm more old school, admittedly. I see combative midfielder Moises Caicedo as in with a chance.

But a defender is my preference; Marc Cucurella is a great shout in my opinion. He's clawed his way to the top of the domestic and national game. The Spaniard's commitment is second to none.