Ben Chilwell eager to show leadership qualities after Chelsea win - ‘I want to take on that role'

Ben Chilwell is looking to take on more of a senior role in the Chelsea team after making his comeback in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Fulham.

The 27-year-old immediately took the captain’s armband when introduced from the bench in the 77th minute, in what was his first Blues appearance since an EFL Cup third round tie against Brighton almost four months ago.

“I'm happy to be back, it's a big win and after the result the other night it was important we bounced back,” he told TNT Sports.

“We're a very young team, we just need a bit more leadership. Personally, I want to try and take on that role and help the team in that respect.

“I want to get forward when I can, and be defensively solid too; it's a very talented squad so hopefully we're going to get there and it can be a flick of a switch soon.”

The Blues defender also praised Cole Palmer for the mental strength shown to dispatch the match-winning penalty, after missing several opportunities in the surprise EFL Cup semi-final first-leg defeat to Middlesbrough on Tuesday.

Palmer’s penalty secured Chelsea a third consecutive Premier League victory for the first time this season, and a fourth successive league win at home – a feat the Blues have not achieved since July 2020.

“It was never in doubt. Like he [Cole Palmer] said, he's missed a few chances but all the top players miss chances,” he added.

“He took the pressure on himself today, scored the penalty and won us the game; we don't expect anything less from him.”

It was also vindication for Palmer, who scored his ninth Premier League goal of the season in 18 appearances.

“Of course, after that game I was disappointed to miss so many chances [against Middlesbrough] and cost the team the game, but it's one of those things.

“I try to help the team every game whether it's assists or goals.”

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