Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has delivered a stark assessment of his old club's current struggles, pinpointing a critical absence of leadership and experience. Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy argued that Chelsea's young squad is crying out for a commanding figure like Manchester United's Harry Maguire.

Cundy's analysis cuts to the core of a persistent issue for the Blues. He acknowledges the quality within the squad but highlights a worrying void when games get tough. "There are moments in games where I look for experience," Cundy explained, referencing players like Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella. He observed that in high-pressure situations, they can look like different players, and the game can slip away.

The crux of his argument is that Chelsea need a spine of seasoned professionals. "Bring in a Petr Cech, John Terry, or Didier Drogba into the squad then we are a serious team," Cundy stated, invoking the legendary leaders of Chelsea's past. He believes the current side isn't far off but lacks the crucial figurehead, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, to guide them through challenging moments.

Using Harry Maguire as a prime example, Cundy elaborated on the value of such a player. "It’s not because he’s the best defender in the world," he said of Maguire's new United contract, "but because of what he brings in terms of experience, personality and leadership." This type of presence, Cundy insists, is what Chelsea's promising but youthful core desperately needs to evolve into a consistent, trophy-winning unit.