BBC pundit suggests £96k-a-week star should be Chelsea captain instead of Reece James

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Garth Crooks has suggested that Chelsea’s Thiago Silva should be the club captain instead of Reece James.

With Cesar Azpilicueta exiting Stamford Bridge this summer, one of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest decisions so far as Blues head coach has been appointing the new skipper.

Reece James, 23, was named the captain and wore the armband in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Liverpool in the Premier League.

The talented right-back appears to be a popular choice with supporters given his quality and deep roots to the academy. It seems like not everybody agrees though.

BBC pundit Crooks suggests that Chelsea’s veteran defender Thiago Silva was an obvious candidate to become captain.

He included the 38-year-old centre-back in his first Team of the Week during the new Premier League season.

“I wasn’t entirely sure of the merits of Pochettino appointing Reece James as Chelsea’s new captain when you have Thiago Silva in your team. The difference in age, experience and most of all wisdom between the two players is incalculable. However, Silva is 39 next month and clearly coming to the end of an illustrious career, while James and the arrival of Moises Caicedo for an initial £100m represents a new era at Stamford Bridge under Pochettino,” Crooks told BBC Sport.

“Nonetheless, Silva approached the fixture against Liverpool with the same unflappable authority he has displayed in his game throughout his career. He is an outstanding professional.”

Yet again, Silva dropped another composed and quality performance in Chelsea colours over the weekend.

The £96,000-a-week (Salary Sport) Brazilian centre-half swept up superbly in the heart of a back three against Liverpool.

He’s now into his fourth season as a Chelsea player and is absolutely streaks ahead of any teammate when it comes to top-level experience.

However, James’ appointment as captain points towards the future under Pochettino and he’s one of the few nailed-on starters when fit.

Silva will continue to be someone the rest of the group look towards even if he’s not wearing an armband on a matchday. 20-year-old Blues defender Levi Colwill recently explained how good it is to play alongside Silva (CaughtOffside).