EPL: John Terry picks Chelsea’s new captain with Azpilicueta set to join Barcelona

Former England skipper, John Terry, has picked Mason Mount to become Chelsea’s new captain, once Cesar Azpilicueta leaves the club.

Although Terry says he “loves” Azpilicueta’s leadership style, he has called for the Premier League side to hand over the armband to Mount to make any real “progression”.

Terry says the 23-year-old has the “ability to grab a game by the scruff of the neck” and noted that his devotion to Chelsea will stand him in good stead with the fans.

Like Terry, Mount started from the Blues’ academy ranks before making the grade within the first team.

Terry told alibendertv, “He [Azpilicueta] has been superb and as you said, there are many ways to skin a cat.

“He does it differently. His performances first and foremost have to speak for themselves, and they certainly do that.

“When your captain it’s important that you are a consistent performer, week in and week out. You give a solid seven or eight out of 10 every week. He does that for the group.

“And again, he is that example for everyone else to follow. I love what he does but I think the progression from that would probably lead itself to Mason for me.

“I think Mason has got the ability to go on and I think he’s capable of grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck if we need to.

“The Chelsea fans relate to him. He is Chelsea through and through. His family are as well. I would personally love to see Mason take it.”

Terry’s comments come amid strong speculation that Azpilicueta is set to leave Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard has spent over 10 years with the club and won every possible trophy.