Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea face tough decisions ahead of the new Premier League season, but Arsenal have organised.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all face the question of appointing a new captain ahead of the 2023/24 season.
All three clubs have either lost their managers or are set to leave this summer, which could affect their preparations for the new Premier League season. Arsenal don’t have the same problem though, with captain Martin Odegaard set to stay for the foreseeable future.
Although the influence is diminishing, the captains still play an important role in their respective teams. It’s unusual for three of the top Premier League clubs to all lose theirs in one transfer window, but the ever-changing nature of the transfer market makes it inevitable for the aforementioned clubs.
United are reportedly set to start captain Harry Maguire this summer. Erik ten Hag opted not to use the England international as first-choice centre-back last season, with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez preferred over the Dutch.
Bruno Fernandes was often chosen as the man to wear the bracelet. However, the Portuguese star’s leadership skills have often been called into question, especially after he was criticized for shoving an assistant referee during United’s 7-0 win at the hands of Liverpool.
Ten Hag has stepped in to back up his vice-captain but the United boss knows he has other options to replace Maguire. Casemiro, who has now settled in a year after leaving Real Madrid, is certainly a contender. Varane is another.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could lose Jordan Henderson in the coming weeks. The England international has “accepted” a move to Saudi Arabia, with Fabrizio Romano reportedly informing Jurgen Klopp of his decision on Thursday.
Henderson has been Liverpool’s captain since Steven Gerrard left Anfield in 2015. He was Gerrard’s natural successor and could reunite with the Reds icon at Al Ettifaq. But there aren’t many obvious candidates on the team to replace Henderson.
Virgil van Dijk is often chosen as captain when Henderson is not on the pitch, but the Dutch defender is now 32 and Klopp could choose to pick someone who can wear the captain’s armband for the foreseeable future.
Should Liverpool decide to go this route, Trent Alexander-Arnold would be the ideal candidate. The defender is said to be negotiating a new contract to extend his stay beyond 2025.
Chelsea are facing the same problem as their Premier League rivals. The Blues have lost long-serving defender Cesar Azpilicueta to Atletico Madrid, while Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho – two men who would represent the Spaniard in his absence – have both left in the last six months.
A relatively new squad at Chelsea leaves Mauricio Pochettino few options to pick his next captain as Thiago Silva turns 39 on his next birthday.
He could pick up a quick win with the fans by opting for academy graduate and fan favorite Reece James, despite the full-back struggling with injuries for the past 12 months.
These decisions will continue to weigh on all three clubs while Arsenal can rest assured that Odegaard will be in charge of Mikel Arteta’s men next season.
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