Three Chelsea players told they are new 'leaders' under Enzo Maresca

Two-time Premier League champion Gary Cahill knows what it means to lead a Chelsea team to success, even if that wasn't the role he inherited. And the club icon has picked out the players he believes are next in line for those positions of responsibility.

Enzo Maresca had by far the youngest squad in the Premier League last term, with an average age of just 23.6 years old. The nearest rival in the youth race was Brighton at 24.3 years old, almost one full year older, while the division's average squad age was closer to 26.

It's only natural that with that deficit in playing experience comes a certain lack of leadership, too. At least in the sense of those who have done the hard yards at the elite level, either in the Premier League or Europe's other top divisions.

Champions League winner Cahill joined Chelsea from Bolton in January 2012 as a relative small-timer but grew into his leadership responsibilities over the course of a seven-year stay in west London. And the club ambassador has identified certain talents under Maresca's command he feels are ready to spearhead Chelsea's charge, regardless of their age.

"I think Levi [Colwill]. He's one of them," he told football.london, via BetMGM. "I remember doing a TV game [as a pundit], and I questioned him on that, because I felt that it's definitely his next string to his bow now. He's playing at a level that's top, and now you can add that other side to you, that other character in terms of leadership.

"He can 100 per cent be one of those leaders and that focal point. I had a different upbringing when I was at Chelsea. Like you said, I [joined] fully established international serial winners. I came into that, and I was the one that wasn't that.

"I was the one that had to learn and listen and grow into that role. I did that at an older age than what Levi is now, so for sure, he can do the same thing."

Colwill, 22, has been highlighted by Chelsea's academy bosses as a potential first-team talisman for some years. And after breaking out during a loan spell at Brighton, who did their utmost to sign the player permanently, he's fast become a fan favourite back at the Bridge.

It was fitting that the four-cap England international scored the winner against Nottingham Forest to secure Chelsea's Champions League return on the final day of last season. Colwill, who captained the club for the first time in December 2023 when he was still just 20 and has taken on the armband during this summer's successful Club World Cup campaign.

After splitting his time between positions in defence, Colwill also appears to have nailed down his future as the focal point in central defence. But the homegrown asset isn't the only nailed-on starter whom Cahill, who retired in 2022, suggested can spark the squad onto bigger things.

"I think Moises Caicedo, I think he has that. Again, just knowing him around, speaking to players, the way that he conducts himself around the training ground, the way he trains, the levels he demands. I think he's already got that with the sounds of it.

"Obviously, you've got Enzo [Fernandez]. He's one of the experienced players there, who can bring a lot. There's a few in and amongst that, and I feel like that's the challenge now for some of these younger players coming through who are playing regularly to take that next level."

The matter is perhaps slightly more complicated in each of those players' cases given neither Caicedo, 23, nor Fernandez, 24, are native English speakers. If nothing else, however, both midfield stars have shown actions around the pitch are often a lot more valuable than words alone.

Both World Cup-winner Fernandez and Caicedo, each of whom have also captained Chelsea on occasion, endured their teething moments after joining for a combined £222million in recent years. However, both were vital figures last season after making 101 appearances between them, enjoying their best campaigns at the club to date.

It perhaps shouldn't come as a surprise the pair have proved so pivotal given their record-breaking transfer fees. However, the modern era has taught us time and again that huge expense doesn't always guarantee good returns.

Chelsea have moulded their own leader figure and a potential club captain in Colwill. But Cahill is also buoyed to see the likes of Fernandez and Caicedo, who is a doubt for the Club World Cup final due to injury, proving their worth to the club in more ways than one, and may just do so for years to come.

Gary Cahill was speaking on behalf of BetMGM. You could win over £27m today with MGM Millions. BeGambleAware 18+