Dario Essugo: Chelsea captaincy is a huge sign of Xabi Alonso’s trust

Dario Essugo says being handed the Chelsea captaincy at such a young age is a significant indication of the trust he has quickly earned from new head coach Xabi Alonso.

The midfielder was named captain for Chelsea’s final pre-season tour fixture against Johor Darul Ta’zim on Sunday, bringing an unexpected personal highlight to a tour that took the squad across Sydney, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Essugo, who has only recently begun working under Alonso, admitted he did not anticipate being given such a prominent leadership role at one of England’s biggest clubs.

“I didn’t expect to be captain at this age for this big club, so for me it’s just a pleasure, and I enjoyed it a lot. For me it means everything, because I didn’t expect it,” he told Chelsea’s official media.

The decision appears to underline Alonso’s confidence in the 21-year-old, who has been given valuable opportunities to impress during the Spaniard’s first pre-season in charge.

‘It’s not about the age’

For Essugo, the captaincy represents more than simply wearing the armband.

The Portugal international believes it sends an important message about the qualities Alonso values in his players, particularly maturity, attitude and a willingness to continue learning regardless of age.

“I feel like it’s a message for me and for all the players, that it’s not about the age, but maybe about your maturity, so it’s about learning and staying positive.”

Essugo’s comments reflect the significance he attaches to the responsibility, particularly as he continues to establish himself within a Chelsea squad filled with experienced players.

Having arrived at the club from Sporting CP, the midfielder is now attempting to convince Alonso that he can play an important role in Chelsea’s plans.

The pre-season tour has provided him with an opportunity to adapt to his new surroundings while working closely with a manager whose own playing career has clearly influenced his approach to coaching.

Essugo enjoying Alonso relationship

The midfielder also spoke positively about his early experience working with Alonso, who enjoyed an illustrious career before moving into management.

Essugo said he has relished the opportunity to learn from the former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder and acknowledged the quality Alonso displayed during his playing days.

“I’m enjoying working with the manager. We mentioned it a lot in this pre-season, but he was a very good player.”

The captaincy against Johor Darul Ta’zim therefore offered Essugo another indication that he is making an impression on Alonso.

After a demanding tour that took Chelsea through four countries, the midfielder can now turn his attention to the competitive season with the confidence that he has earned the new manager’s respect—and potentially a bigger role than initially expected.