It’s been difficult for Mikel Arteta, who has watched most of this season from the bench or from the injury room, much like Tomas Vermaelen of the previous season. And with links of him returning to Spain next year, who could replace him as Arsenal’s club captain?
Here are my Top 5 candidates for Arsenal Captaincy:
1) Per Mertesacker
Already a Vice Captain, the giant defender is usually the first name in the team sheet. But the new arrival of Gabriel in January may force him to fight for his place, and will require him to find the form of last season. Although sometimes on the end of some anger, he is a fan favourite and many were disappointed at him not being the captain from the start. We’ve already seen him shout and control the defence, and so he would be a great candidate to lead from the back.
2) Jack Wilshere
Personally, I’d love to see Super Jack be a captain. Although smaller than most players, he has the fight and spirit that a captain needs, in order to be respected. He is the english player that we all put in our ‘England 2016 squads’ but unfortunately his injury prone self could stop him from making a large enough impact. I can’t see him leaving the club, and so he would be a great player to have for a long time, much like a Tony Adams. However, the fans were sadden that he wasn’t made captain either ahead of Arteta, and so I think it is unlikely, unless he says fit. If he says fit, he could be our Gerrard that says at our club for years…
3) Aaron Ramsey
It’s been a questionable season for Rambo. Much like Wilshere, I can’t see him leaving the club anytime soon, and so the long term captaincy option is here. Ramsey and Wilshere are, unfortunately, usually fit when the other is injured, and we hardly ever see the two of them together on the pitch. But Ramsey has had a much quieter season compared to last years FA Cup triumph, but his recent form makes me think that we could have one of the best players going into the business end of the season. Once again, Wenger has shown faith in him, as well as Wilshere, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the captains band is passed toward a homegrown player.
4) Santiago Cazorla
Against a few teams this year, Santi was the captain and proved to be brilliant in large games against Manchester City and Manchester United. Although past the 30 stage, I feel that Santi will become the Xavi role, where as he gets older, his passing improves and he can sit in the centre and watch Reus and Bale run either side of him. (One can only dream). But he has had one of his best seasons in England, and so his captaincy wouldn’t be questioned if it was passed to him in the summer.
5) Laurent Koscielny
Koscienly has also had a short period as a captain this season, once Per was brought off in a game in December. Maybe Wenger has been trying to find the right player to give it to? Well Koscienly is quite possibly one of the best defenders in the league, and is a fan favourite once again (Much like all of these players). Wenger has showed much faith in him since bringing him from Ligue 2, and his complete mess up in the Carling Cup final vs Birmingham (I still have nightmares about that) has been wiped off his slate. Since then, he’s enjoyed a fantastic season last year and also a great season this year. He will definitely be a club legend, the question is, does Wenger agree?
Any other ideas? Leave them in the comment section, or Tweet me @NorthArmoury for your ideas for another similar article in the summer, where we can discuss what will happen next.