There is a lot of talk surrounding Chelsea potentially changing their recruitment strategy this summer by targeting more experienced players, but one player clearly feels he already has what the club are looking for.
Following a poor campaign that resulted in Liam Rosenior losing his job after just 104 days in charge, the Blues will not only bring in a new manager before next season, but they're also expected to sign several key players.
Chelsea concede far too many early goals and there is a visible lack of leadership that is preventing the side from competing for all the top honours simultaneously.
Trevoh Chalobah reveals importance of learning from experienced teammates
Chelsea will have the chance to lift a trophy this weekend, though. The side are preparing to take on Manchester City at Wembley in the FA Cup final on Sunday, and after Pep Guardiola heaped the pressure on his players, Calum McFarlane's men will fancy their chances.
Trevoh Chalobah, who was part of Chelsea’s 2017-18 FA Cup-winning squad, is now looking forward to this weekend’s final as the Blues attempt to lift England’s oldest cup trophy for a ninth time.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website, Chalobah reflected on his first experience at Wembley and the impact his senior teammates had on him during that period.
"It was my first time at Wembley, but because I had been training with the first team during the second half of the season, it wasn’t so daunting. I felt ready. I got a medal that day – and it was my first senior trophy.
Being around those top players at that time, and getting my hands on the trophy, experiencing all that as a young player, was really good for me.
The likes of N'Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Olivier Giroud were all in the dressing room that day, and Antonio Rudiger was amazing with me. I became really close with him that season; he helped me a lot with training and being in and around the team."
The 26-year-old's comments explain part of the problem Chelsea face now because many of the players who once helped younger teammates settle are no longer at the club, while the current squad has become increasingly inexperienced under BlueCo's transfer policy.
Chalobah sees himself as an experienced leader
Although Levi Colwill is being primed to take on a more leading role, Chalobah feels he also has the qualities required to guide the Blues' many young and upcoming players.
"I see some similarities today, except the roles have reversed.
Obviously, with the young players we have in the squad, I can see myself in that role this time around."
Refreshing to hear, because in truth, Chelsea definitely need more players thinking exactly like that.
This squad has looked too fragile and too inconsistent at times throughout the season, particularly during high-pressure and must-win moments. And even though BlueCo will definitely sign more players in the summer, leadership should also come from within.
Chalobah has been at Chelsea since he was a young boy so he understands the club and the expectations that come with it. Crucially, after winning five major honours, he has already experienced what a successful dressing room looks and feels like at Stamford Bridge.
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