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Gone are the days of a team’s best player representing the club by wearing the armband. Indeed, it could be said that the role of a club captain has been seriously diminished recently, as the importance of possessing various ‘leaders’ all over the pitch has become prominent.
It was nothing short of an embarrassment last year with Thomas Vermaelen, was benched for the second half of the season, including the FA Cup Final. Fitting in with the routine of previous Arsenal captains, he fitfully left the club.
Current captain Arteta’s role is under threat, not only from Francis Coquelin’s improvement, but due to his age – the 32-year-old cannot play 50-games-a-season. Vice captain Mertesacker is in the same boat – he needs to be rested every month or two to avoid injury. Many have recommended a younger, more durable captain – is there one in the current squad?
Too old/Not good enough/Not inspiring enough:
Flamini.
Santi.
Rosicky.
Giroud.
Monreal.
etc.
Who could we consider?
Jack Wilshere – Arsenal through and through, a technically gifted, tenacious midfielder with bite and passion, he seems the perfect candidate. However, his constant injury layoffs means that, much like Vermaelen, his pitch time will be seriously reduced.
Aaron Ramsey – Much the same issue.
Laurent Koscielny – Arguably the most consistent defender in out squad (and best centre back in England), bar one long injury that caused him to miss the first half of the season, Koscielny is usually fairly durable. However, he is only a year younger than Mertesacker, and thus, not a long-term option.
Wojciech Szczesny – His age, confidence and ability are all exceedingly good attributes for a captain, but his attitude….maybe not.
Carl Jenkinson? – A regular at West Ham this year, the young right back is one of the most passionate players in the current squad. Guaranteed not to leave unless he is denied significant playing time, the loyal ‘Corporal’, as Alan Davies likes to say, may be a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. If he continues his current development…watch this space.
Alexis Sanchez – By far and large the best player in our squad, his tenacity and talent sets an example for the rest of the squad to emulate. However, does a player this new deserve to wear the armband, or is loyalty more important?
A number of candidates have put themselves forward to be the next in a long line to wear the revered armband, but a realistic option is yet to emerge. Over the next couple of seasons, Arsene must observe closely the mental and physical development of the current crop. A captain, while not as important these days, is still there to drive, to inspire – this choice cannot be taken lightly.
