CHELSEA fans are convinced they know who their new captain will be.
That’s after Mauricio Pochettino dropped a huge hint in Sunday’s pre-season trophy lift.
The Blues secured a 2-0 win over Fulham to become champions of the inaugural Premier League Summer Series.
Goals from Thiago Silva and Christopher Nkunku set Chelsea on their way in the US.
And Pochettino’s men were treated to a trophy celebration in front of their adoring American fans.
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The Argentine boss is yet to announce who his new captain will be following Cesar Azpilicueta’s exit to Atletico Madrid.
Former stand-in skippers like Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic have also departed Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea fans reckon one of their own is set to inherit the armband this season.
That’s because it fell to Reece James to lift the Summer Series trophy as Chelsea celebrated their first piece of silverware under Pochettino.
James proudly smiled as he held the trophy aloft.
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But he first offered part of it to Thiago Silva, with the Brazilian - who had initially left the right-back to his own devices - helping James lift the cup.
One Chelsea fan said: “First of many as captain for Reece James.”
Another declared: “Aye my captain Reece James.”
One added: “Reece James first trophy as captain, a new era.”
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However, Pochettino left fans on tenterhooks after the trophy lift, refusing to say who was going to get the final call for the armband.
Pochettino said: “No [it was not my decision for the trophy lift].
“It’s because Thiago was captain in the first half and Reece in the second. They have options to be captain.”
Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell through his hat in the ring to become skipper on Friday.
He said: “I would love to be captain. I'm sure you've had that answer off a few of the players.
“I was captain of the youth team at Leicester and thoroughly enjoyed it.
“I think it brings the best out in me and my game, having a little bit more pressure and trying to help people around me. I think it's one of my strengths.
“I don't think you need an armband to be a leader though, so whether I get it or I don't I'll continue to do what I'm doing.”
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