As the league season draws to a close over the next 8 days, Arsenal fans begin to start dreaming of a European final victory in Baku. The ideal ending of a long season will be club captain Laurent Koscielny lifting the Europa League trophy. And then he can pass it to his 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th captain, a strategy Unai Emery has encouraged this year.
The Arsenal captaincy is a title that in the opinion of many Arsenal fans, has been handed out far too swiftly and altered far too regularly over recent years. Long gone are the days of Patrick Vieira holding the huge status symbol for 5 years, never mind Tony Adams for the best part of 15 years. Since Thierry Henry left in 2007, Arsenal have had Gallas, Fabregas, Van Persie, Vermaelen, Arteta, Mertesacker and Koscielny wear the armband. To put in context, in the same time frame Chelsea have had two official club captains, Liverpool two also and City have had three.
Next year, 2 of the 5 captains (Ramsey and Cech) won't be there. As Koscielny continues to age, can he continue his incredible run in the side? If not, this leaves Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil as the official dressing room leaders. I personally would like to see a return to the system of a club captain and one or two deputies, but either way, here are a few options for Unai Emery to consider for next season's leader in the dressing room:
Stick with Kos -
The natural leader in the side, the way he has come back this year from a long term injury is an example to any young player. His only major mark against him are his age - can we expect 35-40 games from him?
Xhaka -
You're not captain of Switzerland or Borussia Monchengladbach at such a young age if you don't have natural leadership qualities. Plays every week, has developed a love and knowledge of the club and commands huge respect from his teammates. A very strong candidate.
Alex Lacazette -
I saw Lacazette mentioned as a possible captain the other day on Twitter, thought about it and it does make sense. He works tirelessly for the team, conducts himself well and again was captain of his former side, Lyon.
Sokratis -
For long periods this year, he has stood head and shoulders above everyone else as the standout leader in this side, looking like the only "grown up" in the side without Koscielny. He's run the back four for Greece, Milan and Dortmund - this role won't phase him.
Possibly not the biggest issue at the club, but worth talking about and it would be great if we had a structure in place to lead us into 2019/2020 season. Feel free to let me know if I've missed anyone!
Up the Arsenal.
@joehurd16
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