The Arsenal Captaincy Conundrum

An awkward situation is emerging at Arsenal Football Club: the captaincy. As the season nears a buttock-clenching finale, never has there been so much discussion surrounding one aspect of the club; like who should wear the armband next season?

The captaincy at Arsenal has diminished in stature and importance to some and possibly to Wenger since the time when Patrick Vieira wore the armband. It has been tossed around from player to player and in some cases was likely used as a carrot to entice players to stay at Arsenal. That’s pure conjecture but it is what some people speculate has been done.

But the fact remains that Arsenal have not had a fire and brimstone, blood n’ guts type player that fits appropriately to the legacy of Vieira and the Capo di Captains, Tony Adams. Those two players alone stood for Arsenal – when they played for the club they WERE Arsenal, Tony obviously moreso than Paddy but both equally knew the importance of their role and what it meant to be Captain of this club.

To a lesser extent you could argue that Robin Van Persie (shudder) also knew that. Forget for a moment how he left, when he played wearing the Captain’s armband he led by example and when the club needed a pick me up, he was the one to do it both with his ability and his leadership. It was said that Van Persie’s short tenure as Captain also resulted in a return to player led events resulted in a focus on team – something that had been done away with under previous Captaincy’s.

But in the end, Van Persie like the better captains of this squad and any squad – LED. The challenged players on and off the pitch to be better. When they weren’t they let you know about it.  One of the key issues that has popped up at times this season is a distinct lack of leadership. Sadly, some of that has come from someone who everyone thought was a fire and brimstone type but as he has worn the Captaincy it has seemed more of a burden then a blessing. Thomas Vermaelen many thought would be a strong captain but it just hasn’t worked for him.

So, next season who should be the Captain? Should Arsenal stay with Thomas Vermaelen? How about Mikel Arteta who has presided as Captain in Arsenal’s recent run of improved form? Or what about the man – young man really, many see as the heir-apparent to Tony Adams’ Arsenal legacy – Jack Wilshere.

We take a look at each one.

Thomas Vermaelen.

When Thomas Vermaelen signed a few years ago for £10 million it was a signing met with a big WHO? But as that first season went on Vermaelen earned the moniker – ther Verminator both for his steel and his added scoring prowess. He was aggressive strong and passionately played for the club. Early on many were comparing him to some of best CBs in the league at the time and some even likened him back the Adams era.

But an injury plaqued second and third season has seen a drop in form leading to inconsistency in performances.  The big Belgian has struggled for form even this season, swaying from outstanding performances such as in the 2-0 win at Anfield to showings with more howlers than a pack of wolves – Tottenham anyone?.

He is perhaps a man not cut out for the captaincy. From the looks of it he has  struggled to deal with the pressures of the job which has likely had an adverse effect on his season. With his recent benchings it is likely he is no longer a guaranteed starter, and looking a mere shadow of the no-nonsense, wide eyed, monster we first saw in the 2009/10 season. This troubling dip in performance might sugest that perhaps it would be better to give the armband to someone else and let Thomas focus on rediscovering his form. The unknown though is how would this affect the morale of the player?

Sure we can’t worry about whether someone gets up set and Thomas has handled his benching quite well – at least from all outward reports. So maybe there is nothing to worry about there. But if the club are going to keep Vermaelen around you don’t want to run the risk of having a player who is unhappy and unfocused. In the end how this plays out is a very difficult situation to manage for Monsieur Wenger.

Mikel Arteta

The (let’s be honest here) outrageously sexy Spaniard is having another good season. Arsenal’s Mr Consistent so it seems. Under his captaincy (albeit based on Vermaelen’s benching) Arsenal have seemed more in control and focused. Whether its because of this noted outspoken manner both on and off the pitch is up to speculation but you cannot deny that Arsenal certainly look a better team since he has handled the captain’s duties.

Still though not enough is known about Arteta and the Captaincy long-term. It’s likely he is going to start a downward arc in his professional career. Not saying he won’t be effective as a player but as age catches up will he be the constant midfield player playing a full 90 for every match a season or will he be transitioned to a supporting role.  Additionally, what we really don’t know yet is he the brave lion heart a club like Arsenal needs? Some aren’t not convinced.

He is indisputably good player, but questions remain about whether or not he’s the sort of captain who’s going to lead the team to silverware, a la Patrick Viera.

That leaves one other possible candidate to take the armband next season. . .

Jack Wilshere

Jack Wilshere is in many people’s eyes the second coming of “Mr Arsenal” himself. As he develops he has become the epitomy of Arsenal Football Club. He strongly personifies the class, passion and tradition we want from our players. He has shown himself at his tender age to be the heartbeat of this team wearing his emotions on his sleeves.

Having only turned 21 in January, some may say captaincy would be a step too soon for Jack. However, people should remember the legendary Mr. Adams received the armband at the tender age of 21. That didn’t turn out so bad did it? There’s not much more to say then is there?. In my opinion, the sooner Jack Wilshere receives the armband the better.  He is  in my estimation the one player who can move this club forward and return us to Glory.

portions of this piece were contributed by Michael Price – DaAdminGooner