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.
Denne historien er fra January 11, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
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Denne historien er fra January 11, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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STONES: START ME UP
City ace out to prove point to Pep
COLE AS A CUCUMBER
Noni: Sky's limit for laid-back pal Palmer
7 AND HELL
Agony as Alisson sits out key run of games
ROOT MASTER
Ton-derful Joe tops charts as England's greatest ever
PRIZE GUY
Coach of year Peters sets sights on OT
...AND IN THE WED CORNER
Jack aims to be lord of rings
TURNER PRIZE
Hayley on plum Ces ride
SIT IS TECH'S FAULT
Posture problems
RACCOONS INVASION!
A WOMAN was left terrified when 100 angry raccoons tried to invade her home looking for food.
ALASTAIR: WIFE'S CARING FOR ME
NEWSMAN Alastair Stewart has opened up about his \"demeaning\" battle with dementia.