Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hinted that Cesc Fabregas could become the club's captain when John Terry eventually steps away from the role.
Fabregas has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Stamford Bridge since joining from Barcelona in the summer, and his manager admits that he has been surprised by the Spanish midfielder's leadership skills.
"He is a better guy than I thought," Mourinho told reporters. "He's a fantastic guy, he's a fantastic professional.
"Now I understand why at the age of 19 or 20 or 21 he was Arsenal captain.
"When I am the manager at Chelsea the armband will go to another arm that has been in this club for many, many years, but one thing is [the leader's] brain needs to be connected with the manager, and his brain is connected to mine during matches."
Chelsea, who are currently five points clear at the top of the Premier League, meet Manchester United on Sunday.
