3. Per Mertesacker
The BFG (Big Friendly German) as he is fondly called, Per Mertesacker has been the captain for the most part in the absence of Mikel Arteta until an unconvincing Gabriel Paulista was brought into the side both for his age and having pace. In spite of Mertesacker’s lack of pace, he is an excellent reader of the game and a very good tackler. However, at 31 years of age, the German’s decline is evident and he lost the vice-captaincy to Laurent Koscielny last season.
He is a highly respectable person in the Arsenal dressing room and with Paulista yet to seal his place in the side, Mertesacker might still have a chance to be named captain next season in the lines of Thomas Vermaelen and Mikel Arteta who had similarly reduced playing roles. However, the remaining two players on the list offer more value on and off the pitch than the big German, which reduces his chances of donning the captain’s armband for the upcoming season.
