Conor Gallagher is not ready to wear the captain's armband at Chelsea, with the situation summing up their season so far.
That is the view of England legend Stuart Pearce, who has stated the 23-year-old is no leader like Blues icon John Terry.
While Gallagher isn't the club's official captain, he has worn the armband numerous times this season in the absence of Reece James.
And when James went off with a hamstring injury during the 2-0 defeat away at Everton on Sunday, the responsibility was given to the ex-Crystal Palace loan star.
It's a decision that doesn't sit well with Pearce, who has stated that while Gallagher may turn out to be a good captain, it is simply too soon for him.
Instead, the ex-Manchester City boss has argued that a senior player should be captain when James is unavailable, with Thiago Silva and Raheem Sterling two possible options.
Speaking on the White and Jordan show about Chelsea's defeat in Merseyside, Pearce said: «There was no fight in the team.
»When I look — and I've got nothing against him because I love the kid and I think he's got a bright future Conor Gallagher.
«But when I see Chelsea Football Club, who have got perceptions on winning the league, being led out, captained by Conor Gallagher.
»I'm thinking to myself, 'This is Chelsea Football Club that's had a captain like John Terry, that's got the stature of John Terry'.
«Conor might be a fantastic captain in time to come.
»But for him to lead Chelsea out at this moment in time, it's too soon.
«And it sends a message out for me, that is there not a better suited captain in the ranks of your football team?»
Despite splashing out over £200million on midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, Gallagher is arguably Chelsea's most important
Read on talksport.com