Top 3 candidates to succeed John Terry as Chelsea captain

David Luiz

Another fans’ choice and the comeback king. Written off as a fraud, and somewhat of a joke, by football pundits and journalists when he left for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014, Luiz has returned to English football with a mission.

Again, his transfer back to London was quickly written off as footballing humour back in August, but the Brazilian immediately silenced his critics. Defensive solidarity and obvious leadership at the centre of Chelsea’s three at the back has earned Luiz plaudits from all angles, and the panic buy suddenly seems anything but.

Off the field, Luiz has never had any problems with endearing the fans, with his constant smiling, joking and generally positive attitude. Take a glance at any Instagram story of the Chelsea players and you’ll see cameos from Luiz. No bottle-flip, trick-shot or prank is out of his skill-set.

Most of all, he clearly loves the club and is an ever-growing cult hero that would wear the armband with just as much pride as anyone else. A slightly more left-wing choice, but one that would bring a smile to the faces of everyone involved with Chelsea.

These are the three main candidates to pick-up the armband that Terry will leave behind when he finally leaves the club in June. There’s no coincidence that all three come from the back-line, it’s the traditionalists place for a captain and one that certainly suits Conte’s Italian mentality, a solid team starts at the back.

More attacking players such as Eden Hazard don’t need the responsibility of the armband, and are best left to focus on their own game. Cesc Fabregas has been mooted, and has all of the credentials of a captain, yet his potential summer exit has damaged his chances.

So Chelsea fans shall await Conte’s decision on who will be their new ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’, yet the overwhelming feeling is that no-one will ever fill the role like John Terry has.

Will he bow out with his hands on yet another trophy? For now, Chelsea fans hold their breathe and wait…