Dario Essugo has described his surprise appointment as Chelsea captain as a special moment, with the midfielder believing the decision reflects the trust and respect he has already earned under new manager Xabi Alonso.
The 20-year-old midfielder was handed the armband for Chelsea’s final match of their pre-season tour against Johor Darul Ta’zim in Malaysia, marking the first time he had led the Blues as captain.
Chelsea’s five-match tour had taken the squad through Sydney, Hong Kong and Indonesia before ending in Malaysia on Sunday.
The final friendly produced an entertaining 3-3 draw, with Liam Delap scoring twice from the penalty spot before a late own goal completed Chelsea’s comeback.
For Essugo, however, the result was only part of the story.
The biggest moment came before kick-off when he was unexpectedly named captain.
“It was a surprise to be captain, but for me, it was a pleasure,” said Essugo after the game.
“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.
“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 believes Alonso’s decision to hand him the captaincy was more than a pre-season gesture.
For a young midfielder still establishing himself at Stamford Bridge, being trusted with the armband represents an important vote of confidence from a manager who has only recently taken charge.
Essugo has also made no secret of his enjoyment of working under the former Spain and Real Madrid midfielder, who has begun implementing his ideas since arriving at Chelsea.
“I’m enjoying working with the manager,” Dario continued. “We mentioned it a lot in this pre-season, but he was a very good player.
“It was a surprise that he gave me the captaincy but I’m very happy. He’s a very good person, so for me this is the most important thing.”
That relationship could become increasingly important as Chelsea prepare for the competitive season.
Alonso will be expected to make difficult decisions about his squad, and Essugo’s ability to earn the manager’s confidence could give him an important platform heading into the campaign.
Beyond the football itself, Essugo also reflected on the reception Chelsea received during their tour.
The Blues attracted strong support across Australia and Asia, with fans turning out in large numbers to welcome the players at hotels, airports and stadiums.
For Essugo, experiencing that level of international support was one of the highlights of the trip.
“It was very good. It was my first tour in three years, so it was a very nice experience for all of us, and we are very happy and ready to come back.
“It means everything to play in front of fans around the world. For example, we landed at 3am yesterday and there were lots of fans waiting for us at the hotel. This is huge for us, and we are very happy, and of course, they deserve everything on their end.”
With the pre-season tour now complete, Chelsea will return to Cobham to continue preparations for the new campaign.
For Essugo, the trip has provided more than valuable minutes on the pitch. It has also given him an early indication of how highly Alonso may regard his maturity and character.
Being handed the captaincy at such a young age may not guarantee a starting role when competitive football begins, but it is certainly a moment the midfielder can build on.
Chelsea now have a new manager, fresh tactical ideas and a squad packed with competition for places.
For Essugo, the message from Alonso appears clear: age will not be the only factor determining who gets responsibility.
His response will now be to keep learning, remain positive and turn the trust shown in him into consistent performances.
And if the young midfielder can do exactly that, his unexpected captaincy in Malaysia could prove to be the beginning of a much bigger role at Stamford Bridge.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
