3 potential captains for next season

 


3 potential captains for next season

The captaincy at Arsenal has been something that has changed hands all too regularly in recent times.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was stripped of the armband in December, being replaced by Alexandre Lacazette.
However, with the French forward’s own future at the club uncertain ahead of his contract expiring in the summer, it is likely that Mikel Arteta will pick a new captain in the summer.
We look at three players who could be in line to take the captaincy next season.

Kieran Tierney

The current vice-captain, Tierney would be an obvious choice for Arteta in the summer as he is already part of the leadership group.
The Scot is a complete professional on and off the pitch and has already captained his country on one occasion.
Tierney is also a part of the long-term plan under Arteta having signed a long-term contract in 2021 with his performances also suggesting he’ll be around at the Emirates for some time to come.
This commitment could make him an ideal captain, while his performances on the pitch would allow him to lead by example.
The 24-year-old has plenty of experience, having racked up over 150 appearances for Celtic in all competitions as well as 30 caps for his country which would stand him in good stead should he be asked to take the armband.

Aaron Ramsdale

Some eyebrows were raised when Arsenal spent £24m, rising to £30m, on Aaron Ramsdale after the ‘keeper had just been relegated with Sheffield United.
But his performances this season have more than vindicated the fee so far, with Ramsdale one of the stand-out performers for the Gunners this season.
Ramsdale has registered 11 clean sheets in 20 Premier League games this season with a save percentage of 81.1%.
It has also cemented Ramsdale’s place in the England squad, with the former Bournemouth man putting a lot of pressure on Jordan Pickford for that No.1 shirt.
All this means the 23-year-old will be Arsenal’s no.1 for the foreseeable and this could make him a good pick as captain.
Ramsdale will also be part of the furniture at the Emirates before long and has quickly become a fans' favourite.
However, Ramsdale’s relative youth and inexperience could count against him if Mikel Arteta is looking for someone with more games under their belt.

Martin Ødegaard

Martin Ødegaard has become a regular fixture in Mikel Arteta’s side, with 21 appearances this season in the Premier League.
The Norwegian made a loan move permanent in the summer of 2021 and signed a four-year deal, reflecting how important he is in Arteta’s plans.
Ødegaard is also the current Norway captain despite being just 23 years old and has racked up 37 caps for his country after making his debut in 2014 aged just 15.
It has already been mooted that the midfielder could be a future captain, and Arteta has spoken to Norway boss Stale Solbakken about Ødegaard as a captain.
Arteta described him as having “all the qualities” to be captain, adding that: “He is such a nice, humble guy and he leads with the way he is. It is very natural for him and that will come.”
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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