Christopher Nkunku's fury shows positive Chelsea step amid Mykhailo Mudryk plan
Leaders are forming
Chelsea lost their captain in Cesar Azpilicueta and a number of other players who have worn the armband this summer. Mauricio Pochettino will not name his next dressing room chief until Chelsea's first Premier League match of the season against Liverpool but already there are elements of leadership shining through from the new-look Chelsea side.
Thiago Silva and Kepa Arrizabalaga wore the armband against Brighton following Trevoh Chalobah taking ownership against Wrexham, however, other players are stepping up too. Enzo Fernandez took control of the organisation of midfield after he was introduced and directed traffic, while Andrey Santos ensured he was combatitive in challenges and ensured he was in place to defend his teammates when he believed they were being wronged.
Likewise, Christopher Nkunku showed a protective instinct. Having received a rash challenge of his own, the Frenchman was fiercely defensive when youngster Cesare Casadei was wiped out along the sideline by Jan Paul van Hecke, who ultimately received a second yellow card for his challenge. It was understandable Nkunku was annoyed, but to see someone new to the club defending a teammate is a positive sign in the team showing ownership for each other moving forwards.
Mykhailo Mudryk looks sharp
It had been said that the Ukraine international had looked sharp in training depsite his lesser involvments in the first days in the United States. He managed a solid strike on the training pitches of North Carolina but it paled in comparison to what he was able to offer up in front of supporters in Philadelphia.
Mudryk's pace always stands out but he had additional intensity in pressing opponents and looked to make opportunities against Brighton.
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