TWENTY years ago Wayne Bridge was part of an influx of young talent at Chelsea.
But the key difference between back then and the Blues' recent overhaul is the squad Bridge joined contained a host of leaders to nurture the likes of Joe Cole and Damien Duff.
That 2004 team was packed with proven big-game performers such as Marcel Desailly, William Gallas and Claude Makelele.
Yet when Bridge looks at the current crop, the only leader he sees among the mass of youth is 39-year-old Thiago Silva.
And the absence of more inspirational figures in the dressing room is the primary reason why Mauricio Pochettino is struggling to get a consistent tune out of his £1bn team.
The latest bump in the road came on Tuesday night when they lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final away at Championship Middlesbrough.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 11, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Star.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 11, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Star.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Be wary of Bellamy's Brennan is Gud advice
ICELAND captain Johann Berg Gudmundsson admits he is wary of Craig Bellamy's style of football after spending two seasons with the Wales boss at Burnley.
HOWAY THE DAD
Workaholic Eddie reveals his quilt'
THANK LEW!
Clarke's tips from idol Lennox
SANTA STORES
Yule never believe demand for festive food.. 11wks out
Animal inclusive family holidays..
SAFARI SO GOOD FOR BRIT BREAKS
NUT ZERO
Britain's 'bonkers' plan to import fuel from madman Kim
DID YOU MAKE IT TO 19 MINUTES?
Brits reveal their attention spans
Bang out of order
90% DEMAND A FIREWORKS BAN
HURRICANE HERO: IT WAS REALLY FUN
'Lt Dan' stays in boat
What's occurring? Yous better ask Ness and Smithy
LARRY WANTS MORE GAV AND STACEY