Garth Crooks believes Cesar Azpilicueta's reassuring and solid performances for league leaders Chelsea shows he is now captain material as John Terry's long-term future at the club continues to remain uncertain.
Azpilicueta was named Chelsea's man of the match after the Spaniard put in a scintillating performance in the Blues' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, which opened up a nine-point gap between the club and second-placed Liverpool, who play tonight.
The full-back, who has been playing as one of three central defenders in Conte's 3-4-3 formation, made eight clearances, two interceptions and created two chances for the visitors and also got the assist for Diego Costa's winner in the 43rd minute.
And ex-Tottenham striker Crooks was also left impressed with the 27-year-old's solid display for Chelsea, and admitted in his weekly column for BBC Sport that the Spaniard is showing the qualities needed to succeed Terry as club captain.
Crooks said: "Four of Chelsea's past six wins have been by 1-0 scorelines. What does that tell us?
"Well, it tells me that Chelsea's back five are in imperious form. However, I have singled out Cesar Azpilicueta for special praise this week.
"His overall contribution to the team has steadily grown with every game. It was the Spaniard's wonderfully timed cross that split Palace's defence, marooned goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and invited Diego Costa to attack the gift.
"While in defence, alongside Gary Cahill and David Luiz, he looks commanding.
"He is one of a number of potential leaders being groomed by manager Antonio Conte at the moment, which signals that John Terry's work at Stamford Bridge is now done."
