Mason Mount has claimed to The Telegraph that he wants to become Chelsea captain, despite not being the most experienced candidate.
The Englishman was skipper for the Blues in the second half of their pre-season fixture with Charlotte, with him previously having the armband in sporadic cup appearances.
The role may be up for grabs if Cesar Azpilicueta completes his highly-awaited move to Barcelona, with a number of candidates for the position currently at the club.
The 23-year-old has stated that he enjoys the responsibility whenever he is handed it, with it being something he wants to put on his shoulders.
He said: “I’m naturally not the most vocal. I’ve never really been that. When I was captain of the Under-18 FA Youth Cup side, I was always someone who tried to lead by example on the pitch.
Mount makes claim for Chelsea captaincy
“But you have to bring that as well and that’s something I am constantly trying to learn from the likes of Azpi and Jorgi, who have been captains of this club. Just trying to learn off them and trying to add that to my game. Even if you are not someone who leads with the ball and leads on the pitch you have to have that other side as well.
“I am still young and I am still learning, but whenever the opportunity comes to step up I want to take it. Obviously, the gaffer trusted me with captaining the side in the second half and I take that responsibility.
“Whether we win, whether we lose, I always want to be the one to be able to take it. To take it on the chin if we win and, obviously, if we lose as well.”
Raheem Sterling has also been touted as a potential future skipper of the club, despite just joining the side.
If Azpilicueta leaves, the club should consider handing the armband to Thiago Silva, with it likely being his last season at the club. This allows the opportunity for Mount, Sterling or any other candidate to stake their claim over the next 12 months for a long-term option.
The midfielder however has shown that aforementioned ability to lead by example on the pitch over the last two seasons, making himself undroppable under both Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel.
However, it may be a better move to remain with an experienced head as the skipper, sticking to the theme in recent seasons. For this reason, there may even be an opportunity for Kalidou Koulibaly to prove his worth as a leader, with a defender taking the armband for most of this century.