Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has again dismissed the importance of a club captain.

Arsenal head into today's showdown with Chelsea under the guidance of 21-year-old Cesc Fabregas, who was promoted to the job following the unceremonious axing of outspoken William Gallas.

Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari feels his skipper John Terry was "born a captain".

Wenger, though, believes it is more about developing the skills necessary to take a team forward.

"For me there is no such thing as a born leader," he said. "I believe leadership is something you learn and grow into when you are given responsibility.

"I have never met someone who was a born leader - but I believe Cesc can develop it.

"He knows about the job, he understands the problems within a team, and he will quickly adapt to the role."

Wenger added: "As for his age I do not think being a captain is necessarily linked with that.

"Tony Adams was 21 when he became Arsenal captain and don't forget Cesc has already played more than 200 games for us."