James Southby
It seems commonplace nowadays to question the role and importance of the captain in football. Even at Arsenal, where Arsene Wenger regularly calls for ‘collective leadership’ and leaders all over the pitch, what does that leave for the chap wearing the armband? Unlike rugby, where it seems only the captain can talk to the referee on matters of infringement, as well as making crucial in-game decisions about whether to kick or go for the try (Chris Robshaw, hang your head), the captain’s role in football seems to be becoming more and more symbolic.
Every Arsenal fan has a soft spot for Frank McLintock and Tony Adams, the order of which likely depending on one’s age. Their leadership and fighting spirit is rightly lauded through the club’s history, and you would argue contributed to the Doubles that they are both associated with. But were they the exception to the norm? One need only look at a cross-section of our recent skippers (Gallas, Fabregas, van Persie) to arrive at that conclusion, while our last two, Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta, had the dubious honour of lifting the FA Cup having watched the final from the bench. It would seem to me that it is the personality and leadership values of the man that elevates the captaincy, rather than the captaincy elevating the man.
I would be stunned if Mikel Arteta was still at Arsenal next season. As much as I like the man, and I do admire his dedication to training and the role he plays in the dressing room, the fact remains that he cannot get into the starting XI, through a combination of injuries and other, younger midfielders making more of a contribution. Harsh, but fair.
I would also discount the possibility of a new signing being given the nod straight away, so that’s that out of the way.
Per Mertesacker would be the obvious choice, looking for all the world like he has been our captain for the past 18 months or so with the amount that he plays and Arteta doesn’t. A World Cup winner and a calm, experienced hand at centre-back, Per would follow what has been a recent trend of vice-captains stepping up when the previous captain is sold. The only drawback for me would be his age – already north of 30, his would seem to be an appointment for the shorter-term, maybe the next 2 or 3 years, before inevitable decline or displacement by a younger defender set in. The same could largely be said for Koscielny, who is in a similar position despite having grown leaps and bounds to become arguably our most reliable and consistent defender. I do not get the sense that Wenger is looking for a younger captain for the long-term at this point in his career, or else players like Chambers and Bellerin might get a look-in, provided they can get in the team and stay there (more of an issue for Chambers, of course).
If Jack Wilshere had stayed fit and healthy, I have the distinct feeling he would be captain now, rendering this conversation moot. As he hasn’t, other realistic midfield options for next season would be Ramsey, Cazorla and maybe Ozil. While I think Ramsey could work in the mid- to long-term, I am not sure there is enough leadership coming from the other two.
I have never been convinced of the merits of a forward as captain. However, if they had to go down that route, you would look at Giroud, Walcott and perhaps Alexis. I like Alexis for his fighting spirit and he could perhaps lead by example, but I am unsure of his ability to communicate as well as you might need a captain to. Walcott, as our longest-serving player, would have a good claim himself, but the same age-old concerns regarding his long-term development as a player and regular dips in form threaten his ability to get in the team week-in, week out. Giroud, though beautiful to behold, fills the role of attacking lynchpin in this current side, and I feel should be left to that.
Having considered all of the above, my pick – Per Mertesacker.
Sorry for the anti-climax.
