The future at Arsenal can surely only get better. The club has posted its worst Premier League finishes since the turn of the century, and prolonging their long-awaited return to the Champions League means that fans don’t have much to look forward to next season.
While the recent managerial changes have not yet brought the desired results on the pitch, other issues at the club still need to be addressed.
With Laurent Koscielny nearing the end of his Arsenal career, a new captain will have to be appointed in the near future – if not this summer. However, Gunners fans on Twitter seem only able to disagree on who should assume the armband for the foreseeable.
The recent history of the captaincy is a little bizarre – with the likes of Per Mertesacker, Mikel Arteta and Thomas Vermaelen all taking on the role without being a regular starter – presumably leaving the team’s best leader off the pitch for the best part of the last seven years.
And when looking at the current squad, the fact that no standout candidate seems to be primed for 33-year-old Koscielny’s inevitable departure leaves no surprise that these Gooners are struggling to settle on their future skipper:
Hector has little leadership on the pitch. As much as I love him saying a few environmentally friendly things on Twitter shouldn’t grant him captaincy. Xhaka is a leader, on and off the pitch and no one is more deserving of the captaincy role.
— ????OSSACK (@ellishossack) June 10, 2019
Sokraris. Give Holding VC and Let him grow into the role
— Clockend Gooner (@ClockendGooner3) June 10, 2019
As much as I love Hector he may not be a good captain on the pitch. We need someone who will stand up to incorrect referee decisions and players. Papa gets my vote.
— Kelz (@Bhanarchy) June 10, 2019
Why does a lot of people think xhaka should be given it ?? Have I missed something that makes him a candidate?? All I’ve ever seen is from him is a massive lack of concentration and a lot of stupid needless fouls.
— Steve Moulder (@SteveMoulder5) June 11, 2019
Personally I’d give it to Laca. Player of the season last year, he said himself he wants to be captain, he’s helped 19 year old Guendouzi progress and you can see what playing for Arsenal means to him
— Jake Rowe (@JakeRowe1) June 11, 2019
There are no leaders in the team. What does one do? You give it to the keeper until a suitable options presents itself.
— Kani (@gee_kani) June 10, 2019
Nacho Man should get it
— ihsan v.huhu (@IhsanHuhu) June 11, 2019
Holding when fit or another CB when he’s not.
— jay (@jayjayafc1) June 11, 2019