Recent reports have suggested that Emre Can could be in line
to become the new Liverpool captain next season when Steven Gerrard, the
current club skipper, seals his move to LA Galaxy.
I for one would be very surprised to see him named captain,
especially as I see Jordan Henderson, the current vice-captain, as a more
natural successor.
Gerrard became club captain in 2003, five years after his
debut. He showed a number of leadership qualities which prompted then manager
Gerard Houllier to replace Sami Hyypia in the role, even though Hyypia remained
at the club for years to come.
I’m not suggesting by any stretch that Can could never
become captain one day, having shown leadership qualities in his 22 appearances
to date. However at only 21 years old, leading one of the biggest clubs in
Europe may just be a little too much to ask. That said, at his rate of progression
at this moment in time, nothing is too much for the talented German u21
international.
Henderson has shown for the last year and a half that he is
more than ready to step into Gerrard’s shoes as a leader, having stepped up to
the plate on the occasions Gerrard hasn't been playing. Of course he will never
be as talismanic in terms of his ability to drag us on his own through tough
situations, like iconic Champions League nights such as Istanbul. But he’s
passionate, industrial and most importantly in my opinion, English. Something
that is really important for me at an English club, to have an English captain.
Whoever does get the armband next season, they've got one
hell of a void to fill.
As usual comments are encouraged. Let me know what you
think!
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