Chelsea star midfielder Moises Caicedo has admitted he is trying to be more vocal on the pitch, acknowledging his role as one of the leaders in the team.

Levi Colwill wore the captain’s armband for Chelsea in Saturday’s 5-1 win over Bournemouth amid Reece James’s injury absence, but Caicedo is likely next in line ahead of Cole Palmer.

James has evolved into a more vocal leader for the team on the pitch, which Chelsea certainly need after Enzo Fernandez’s transfer to Manchester City in the summer. However, personality-wise, these four are all rather reserved for typical leaders, including Caicedo.

The Ecuador international prefers to set a good example through his on-pitch performance. There is nothing inherently wrong with that, but even Caicedo himself is aware that, as a member of the leadership group, he also bears the responsibility to speak out more.

“I think every coach tells me that I can improve talking on the pitch, you know?” he admitted to Chelsea’s in-house media.

“Because they know that I’m a leader, but it will be better for me if I start talking more with the players. I try my best, but it’s not in my nature.

“So when I’m not able to talk, I just try to show even more.”

Caicedo highlighted former teammate Thiago Silva as someone he looks up to in terms of leadership.

“He was an example for us. He tried to help us in every moment. How he was a leader here was amazing for all of us,” Caicedo explained.

“Now being one of the captains is a pleasure for me, and a special feeling for my family. 

“Even if I’m not a player who likes to talk a lot, I like to show through what I do, so others can see my example.”

Like Caicedo, Thiago Silva did not always need the captain’s armband to be a leader on the pitch.

Cesar Azpilicueta was the official captain when the Brazil international joined Chelsea in 2020, and when the former left the club in 2023, James was appointed as his long-term successor.

It was very clear, however, that Silva played a significant leadership role in helping the then-23-year-old James, the team's captain, who was still learning the ropes and finding his feet.

Fortunately for Chelsea, they do not just rely on their captain and vice-captains to lead the team anymore.

They acquired several experienced players who had clearly demonstrated leadership qualities, including Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck, Emiliano Martínez, and Maxence Lacroix.

Henderson, for example, spent eight years as Liverpool captain. Lacroix was a vice-captain at Crystal Palace and has already expressed his desire to be one of the leaders at Chelsea. Welbeck’s and Martinez’s experience at the top level is unquestionable.

Obviously, it would be great if Caicedo were more vocal, especially given his exceptional defensive mind. He speaks English well, too, so his teammates should have no problem understanding his instructions.

However, more often than not, the way Caicedo shields the defence and tirelessly works on and off the ball should send a clear enough message to his teammates. That is why he is a leader.