Arsenal: Who should be captain for the 2013/14 season?
Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen was nothing like the player that we all know and love at the Emirates last season. The Belgian international was at times slow, sloppy and became a bit of a liability. So much so that Arsene Wenger opted to end the season with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker as his preferred defensive partnership.
So with Vermaelen being linked with a move away from the Emirates, Arsene Wenger faces a tough call in who should lead the Gunners in the 2013/14 season.
Here are some of his options.
Laurent Koscielny
The Frenchman arrived in 2010 and has demonstrated on the pitch how much it means for him to represent Arsenal Football Club by continually putting his body on the line. Koscielny has established himself as a fans' favourite with his last-ditch tackles and marauding runs from defence. His displays in recent seasons have seen him linked with moves to Spanish giants Barcelona and Champions League winners Bayern Munich, but Koscielny has reportedly told Wenger he wants to remain at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta
The silky Spaniard is one of Arsenal's most senior outfield players and currently holds the position of vice-captain. The former Everton man plays right in the heart of midfield and can direct his team-mates exactly what they should be doing. Arteta would take the responsibility seriously and wouldn't let the weight of expectation affect his performance on the pitch. The Spaniard would be a good role model for the rest of the team to look up to.
Jack Wilshere
If there's one man at Arsenal who would run through brick walls for the Gunners it's Jack Wilshere. He has Arsenal pumping through his veins and you can see that every time he drives forward with the ball or loses possession. Wilshere may only be 21 but he has the potential to be one of the best midfielders England has ever produced. He is already very vocal on the pitch and his team-mates have the utmost respect for him. Wilshere is definitely captain material.
Thomas Vermaelen
Or should the captaincy remain with Vermaelen? The Big Belgian reportedly wants to stay at Arsenal and win back his place in the starting XI, which has to be commended. There is the old saying that form is temporary, but class is permanent. Vermaelen has not suddenly become a bad player overnight. Injuries have hampered his form and maybe the pressure of being captain has got to him. The summer break may be just want the doctor ordered to rest those muscles and give those injuries time to heal.
There is of course talk of Rooney or Higuain joining Arsenal this summer, players with great experience and pedigree of winning honours. Would Wenger be prepared to let a new player don the captain's armband?
Some people believe the captain's armband is irrelevant, that every player on the pitch should be a leader and lead by example, but to captain your team is a great honour and privilege. Who do you think deserves that accolade at Arsenal?
Calling all Arsenal fans: Who do you think should captain Arsenal for the 2013/14 season? Would you leave it with Vermaelen or would you give it to Koscielny, Arteta, Wilshere or a new signing? Whatever your view, we'd love to hear from you.
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