Trevoh Chalobah makes Chelsea promise as Mauricio Pochettino faces £34.6m transfer dilemma

Trevoh Chalobah could establish himself as a key member of the Chelsea squad for years to come if he can impress Mauricio Pochettino in pre-season

Trevoh Chalobah believes he is ready for a Chelsea leadership role after Mauricio Pochettino handed him the captaincy in his debut match. The defender, who was recently heavily linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, guided a fledgling Blues side to a 5-0 victory over Wrexham.

Despite turning just 24 earlier this month, Chalobah was the oldest player in Chelsea’s starting lineup to enter Chapel Hill to face the League Two side. In an interview with the club’s official website, the Cobham graduate acknowledged his responsibility and insisted that he was ready to become a leader.

“It’s crazy how the years go by,” Chalobah said. “I’m in my third season and now I’m one of the oldest players in this young team.

“Having this responsibility is a good thing and it’s important to support young players and make sure they feel comfortable in the team. I know how you feel. I was in his shoes once.

With Pochettino keen to embark on an exciting project in west London, Chalobah claimed he can help the Argentine ‘set the benchmark’. The £34.6million-rated defender added: “I think it’s important that I help set standards.” “I know the club inside out and hope for the younger players I can be a leader and someone they feel comfortable talking to. But I’m also still young so there will be things I can learn from them too.”

“Being together like this is what we have to do this season. We will need everyone. The new players have settled in well.” That’s the nice thing about this group, everyone feels welcome.

“Making people feel comfortable off the pitch is one of the most important things. And when you go out on the pitch, you have that connection.”

Chalobah’s determination to step up and become a leader at Chelsea comes as Pochettino searches for a new captain following the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta. According to the Evening Standard, the 51-year-old will make a final decision on his new captaincy towards the end of pre-season once he has built a stronger relationship with his players.

But the former Tottenham manager already has some candidates in mind. The report indicates that Thiago Silva is a “clear leader” for the takeover which previously took the bracelet last season in the absence of Azpilicueta.

The evening standard has also described Kepa Arrizabalaga, Raheem Sterling and Reece James as other candidates for the role of the captain. After Wesley Fofana should miss a large part of the new season due to injuries, Chalobah has opened a path to force himself at the start of Chelsea and become a key actor.