The Premier League season is upon us, and with it comes the question of who should be named as captain for each of the top teams. Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea are all facing difficult decisions in this regard, particularly with the potential departures of Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Liverpool have few options to replace Henderson, Chelsea have lost three key players, and Manchester United must decide between potential candidates Casemiro and Varane. In contrast, Arsenal are in a much better position, with Martin Odegaard likely to remain as captain.
This article will explore the captaincy conundrums presented to Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea, and the degree to which Arsenal have been able to avoid such issues.
Key Takeaways
– Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea are facing captaincy conundrums ahead of the new Premier League season.
– Potential departures of Maguire, Henderson, and Azpilicueta have added to the challenges for these clubs in selecting their captains.
– Liverpool has limited options to replace Henderson, with Van Dijk often serving as captain in his absence.
– Reece James is being considered as a potential choice for the Chelsea captaincy, given his leadership qualities and potential, although his inexperience is a factor to consider for Pochettino.
Maguire, Henderson, Azpilicueta
The potential departure of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, the transfer of Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson, and the loss of Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta have left the clubs with difficult captaincy decisions to make for the next season, while Arsenal remains secure with Martin Odegaard as their captain.
Bruno Fernandes’ leadership qualities have been questioned at United, and there are not many obvious contenders to replace Henderson at Liverpool. Chelsea’s relatively new squad gives Mauricio Pochettino limited options for the next captain.
United may consider Casemiro or Varane as replacements for Maguire, while Henderson has accepted a move to Saudi Arabia and Virgil van Dijk often serves as captain when Henderson is not on the pitch. Liverpool may choose to extend Alexander-Arnold’s contract, while Reece James could be a potential choice for Chelsea.
Despite the captaincy decisions facing the three clubs, Arsenal can rest assured with Odegaard leading their team into next season.
Liverpool’s Options
With Henderson’s departure, there are limited options for Liverpool to consider when selecting a new captain.
Virgil van Dijk often serves as captain when Henderson is not on the pitch, so the team could look to him for guidance and leadership. However, given his injury and uncertain return date, this is not a long-term solution.
Another viable option is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the world and is popular with the fans. Liverpool may choose to extend his contract to ensure he is available for the upcoming season. His age and experience make him an ideal candidate for the role of captain.
Ultimately, Liverpool must carefully weigh the pros and cons of each player and determine who can best lead the team to success. The right decision will be crucial to the team’s success in the 2021 season.
Chelsea’s Prospects
Given their relatively new squad, Mauricio Pochettino may have limited options for selecting a captain for the 2021 season. With the departure of Cesar Azpilicueta, Mateo Kovacic, and Jorginho, the new manager is left with few viable contenders to lead the team.
Despite his inexperience, Reece James could be a potential choice. The 20-year-old defender has quickly made a name for himself, scoring two goals and assisting another in his debut season. His leadership qualities have been praised, and he may be the ideal candidate for the role. Additionally, he could be an important asset for the club in the future, given his age and potential.
Nevertheless, Pochettino will need to consider the fact that James is still a young player and might not be the right man for the job. Ultimately, the captaincy decision will continue to hang over the club until the manager makes the right call.
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