The Next Captain
September 1, 2023
The role of Captain at any football club is a huge responsibility, especially at a club with Manchester City’s aspirations and expectations. It’s well-documented that City try to recruit individuals with high character, those who possess elite mentalities and elevate those around them. From Vincent Kompany to David Silva, Fernandinho to Ilkay Gündogan, each of our captains in the post-takeover era have been model professionals, massive figures in the dressing room that command respect and lead by example. With our next captain’s vote imminent, the MCI team decided to share our thoughts on who we feel would be the best fit to lead the team forward.
Lucy
In my eyes a loyal player who has been with the club pre-Pep, such as Kevin De Bruyne, would benefit from being the captain at the club. However due to his injury in which the player could be out for up to 5 months, I personally feel a passionate individual such as Rùben Dias would majorly benefit both himself and the team in being the captain. We’ve seen on many instances from behind the scenes that Dias is a leader within the team and often gives team talks before games and during the half time interval. With his passion both vocally and physically on the pitch we’ve seen his commitment to arranging players how they should be and giving advice when needed. This is why I believe in the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, Rùben Dias would slot into this captain’s role massively to help the team in helping to reach major success this season both on the pitch and off the pitch.
Will
I believe the next City captain should be vocal, a model professional, a good example to younger players and an integral part of the team. I think it’s time for some long term stability in the role, for the first time since club legend Vincent Kompany left in 2019. The player who I think ticks all the boxes is Rodri, who leads by example and by force simultaneously, almost like the perfect blend between Kevin de Bruyne and Ruben Dias. He is one of the club’s more recognisable players too, particularly after his winner in Istanbul, which has seen him become a household name across the world. Despite the loyal service shown by De Bruyne and Kyle Walker in their period at the club, it’s unlikely that either of them will be at the club for any longer than 3 more seasons. At the age of 27, Rodri can be the key leader at City not just for this season, but for many years to come.
Zoxie
While Kevin De Bruyne stands out as an obvious pick for the new Man City’s captain role, and also worth mentioning, Kyle Walker, in my personal opinion the new captain should be Rúben Dias. Dias has everything a captain needs. He’s a brilliant player, a world class defender that knows how to hold the back line together. Regardless of the fact that he’s been at the club for only three seasons, he has shown undeniable influence on the whole team on the pitch. You can always see Dias counting the players before the matches, you can see him discussing decisions with the officials – I believe that Rúben’s dominance can do wonders for this Man City side, and therefore I believe he should be given the armband.
Sheikh
The obvious choice is Kevin De Bruyne. Our talisman, the longest tenured active City player, and the man who will retire (or leave) City as our greatest player ever. However, I’ve never quite seen KDB as the type of leader that fits the typical captain’s mold. Rather, he lets his play do the talking and he does it quite well. I feel the man to lead us forward is Rúben Dias. His effect on the team when on the pitch is palpable, constantly barking orders and holding his teammates accountable. The first to celebrate with his fellow defenders and goalscorers, never afraid to put his body on the line for his team. He is a rare type of player with the mental fortitude to back his determination with his play and at 26 years old, we would be locking in our next captain for hopefully a decade. This type of continuity will be a massive plus in further establishing and elongating the winner’s mentality and culture at the club. Honorable mentions to Kyle Walker, Rodri, and my personal sleeper pick, John Stones, who has worked so hard during his time at City and set a massive example for how players can succeed if they believe in themselves.
Who do you think should be the next City captain? Let us know in the comments below!