Now that Kurt Zouma’s future at West Ham is officially ‘time limited’ it is clear that Lopetegui must find a new leader to drive his vision and his team forwards to success.
Captains come in all shapes and sizes- from the blood-and-guts fist pumper to the more reserved, controlled yet equally inspiring leaders of men. Now that the full squad is more or less assembled for training, the final pre-season warm up match on Saturday that is the Betway Cup match against Celta Vigo assumes greater significance:
Whoever has the captains armband for this game will likely be the J’Lo-designated successor to Kurt Zouma.
The friendlies to date have been of little significance, with so many International players away resting or in Alvarez’ case, recuperating from injury. We’ve all seen the video circulating from the kit release whereby the photographer refers to El Machin as ‘Captain’ but I’m not sure we can rely on this as being 100% proof!
To my mind there are a couple of possibilities, Edson Alvarez being one. But he is not fit and as far as we know will be some weeks away still having been seen walking but not training in pre-season. Were he fit now, I’d suggest him as the ‘favourite’.
Max Kilman as the Head Coach’s highest priority signing this Summer and his choice as Wolves’ Captain when Lopetegui was in charge, obviously is on the shortlist. Quite how easily Kilman would integrate either into the dressing room or the fan base as an ‘imported’ skipper is hard to anticipate. Maybe one for the future.
Jarrod Bowen is being quietly tipped by many as the natural successor: Not overly demonstrative in demeanour, certainly not the blood-and-guts category but 100% committed to the club and the ethos of everything West Ham. I’m sure he would be immensely popular with supporters (me included) and team-mates alike.
Captains Past and Future?
James Ward-Prowse has his admirers and certainly has the right pedigree to lead the side. But – is he a certain selection for our new midfield? It would certainly be a role he is capable of doing, being appointed skipper of Southampton in 2020.
A rank outsider would be newly signed Guido Rodriguez– perfect CV to be honest, if he’d arrived last year I’d say he was a contender: Shares a common language with the Head Coach as does Alvarez.
Other options- none spring to mind as leadership candidates who’re guaranteed to make the team and inspire those around. I’m sure each reader will have their own opinion. Aaron Cresswell and Tomas Soucek are for differing reasons unlikely to play most every game next season.
Look to see who gets the armband on Saturday, it could well be that it gives us all an insight into the club’s forthcoming official announcement for the season.
Captain has to be someone who gives everything for the shirt and team, in my eyes that makes Bowen the only contender
Agree. Has to be Bowen. He is totally committed to the club and is guaranteed to be here long term.
JWP unlikely to be in the 11 when everyone is fit.
I suspect it will be Kilman.
Hmmmm. I think Julen will choose Max Kilman as his Captain.
Kevin Nolan came in as West Ham captain following his move from Newcastle where he was skipper, so there’s no reason why Kilman shouldn’t wear the armband.
It was never going to be Zoom(a) even if he was staying not captain material.
Been suggested that JWP (but I don’t think he will) and Soucek will be moved on.
Cresswell probably won’t play 90 minutes.
To much responsibility for any of new transfers.
Defence is really unknown situation and is obviously going to change.
Aguerd was suggested when he arrived but is also an uncertainty.
Looks like Bowen for early games by process of elimination.
Leave Bowen alone let him do what he does best scoring goals. Captaincy has to go to mid-fielder or defender that can see the field in front of him. I think Kilman has done fairly well in pre-season and reads the game well.
I know this is crazy but I would pick Paqueta. Yes I know there is a massive black cloud hanging over him with this betting saga; but i still think he is such a great player, he would rise to the occasion as a captain. I am certain it would show great confidence and respect to him from the club; and when he is cleared, (which he will be), it would just strengthen that bond. We’d have him for two or three more seasons.
imho bowen would be a good captain, passion, commitment and leads by example
It will probably be Kilman. Wouldn’t mind Bowen. Ward Prowse is an experienced captain but might not play every game now. Alvarez disciplinary record might not make him best choice for captain.
I think it should be a defender he can see the field in front of him a bit like the great Bobby Moore
The West Ham decision would be Bowen and well deserved too, but the decision is JL’s to make, and like many I feel that will be Kilman, both good choices. Paqueta? Definitely not, too moody, JWP won’t be getting game time because unless it is a free kick he only passes back or sideways, never looks up for a fight that one. Now that WHU have sealed three more solid deals over the last 3 days the team is finally taking shape. A nice mix of youth and experience, Obi-wan would be a great addition if he wants to commit to West Ham, otherwise someone with similar skills and maybe another CD. A lot more to look forward to now.
I would probably go Alvarez if not Areola or Paqueta
It would be Kilman for me. The main reason is that he has been a captain earlier with fair amount of success and also it is better to have a defender as your captain who can see the entire field ahead of him. Bowen would also be a very popular choice but I think he is best left alone to focus on what he does best, scoring goals.
Why not Areola?