Are we in need of a new skipper?

With Thomas Vermaelen having fallen out-of-favor with Arsene Wenger at the latter stage of last season, are we in need of a new skipper? If so, who should be given the armband?

How I see it, a suitable candidate for captaincy must have the following attributes.

Influence is very important. He should also have high levels of determination, teamwork, work-rate and bravery, as well as good concentration and decision-making. The player should also be a regular starter for the team. One of the senior members. One who is generally liked and trusted by the majority of the squad.

In addition, the candidate should be one of the side’s better players and one whose role affects an area of the team.

Defenders and forwards as captains more often than not have an influence only on their specific positions, where as midfielders generally have an impact on the whole team. Nonetheless, some defenders and forwards manage to imprint their influence on the entire squad, but this is on a rare occasion.

Having outlined necessary key points, my three candidates for the role are Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

But if I had to chose one out of the three then I would go for Koscielny. The French centre-back fits the role perfectly, fills the necessary criteria and is arguably one of our best players.

With Kos as my preferred captain, I would name Arteta as vice-captain and Per would fill in should the other two not be available for one reason or another.

Let us know what you think below in the comments section