Antonio Rudiger is ready to stand up as the leader to stabilise Chelsea's defence.
The fit-again Germany defender insists he can be the "commanding" presence to shore up Frank Lampard's Blues backline.
Rudiger impressed on his return from a pelvic injury in Tuesday's 2-1 win over Lille that eased Chelsea through to the Champions League's last 16.
The 26-year-old had only just beaten knee surgery when he slipped at Wolves in September to sustain a new problem, but is now itching to call Chelsea's defensive shots.
"The slip was when I said 'OK, I cannot go on any more'.
"It was an ongoing thing after my knee injury. It turned out I had a problem with my hernia that's why everything took so long.
"The coach has let me have a little pre-season, for almost three weeks.
"And I really thank him for that. It was good for the legs but not for the heart! But it was a really good idea from him."
