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There is a widespread assumption that captains in football don't matter much when compared to captains in either cricket, hockey or even rugby. But that is just a myth. There are times in football when the team looks dejected and need motivation, even times when players are looking for someone to step up and raise their emotions. The captain is the first player they look up to at these times and if the man wearing the armband does not step up, then the match is half lost already.
Carrying the expectations of the fans, the burden of leading the team and being the role model for teammates, a captain is the biggest asset any club can have. Here we present to you the top five captains in the Premier League in the 2018/19 season.
#5 Troy Deeney (Watford)
Normally managers do not prefer strikers for the role of a club captain as they perceive that the striker tends to be selfish and does not set a good example for the rest of the team, and they turn to defenders and goalkeepers for the role. But Watford captain Troy Deeney is an exception.
Deeney has been a long-serving, loyal servant at Watford Football Club and it is no doubt that he is the most eligible and likely candidate to get the armband when the question came up. Even in games against the top six teams where Deeney rarely sees the ball, he still manages to make himself useful and is constantly helping out in defence. His teammates have claimed that his immense work rate will always be motivating to watch when things are not going their way in a game.
#4 Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea)
The Spaniard is a huge fan favourite and impresses in every game he plays. He is not the official captain of the club if you go by the books as the, Premier League official site states Gary Cahill to be the captain. But the England international rarely features for the Blues, and Azpilicueta is bestowed with the pride of leading the team in his absence.
Azpilicueta has been one of the biggest bargains in world football, and with an excellent injury record he stands as an example for his fellow teammates as to how to take care of their body and mind to have good longevity in the game. A captain should always be the first names on the teamsheet, and Azpilicueta is the only player in the list who has that rare distinction. He is literally undroppable and has featured in every game for the Stamford Bridge club.
#3 Tom Cairney (Fulham)
The Scotland international has been the captain of the club just for the past two seasons and has made a very good impression among the fans. He carries the entire team and wears his heart in his sleeve.
When Fulham were promoted to the Premier League, he was touted by many clubs for a summer transfer. But he remained at Craven Cottage, and even after bringing in eight new players to the club, Fulham have stuck with Cairney as their undisputed captain. That is the impression he has created and that is what he brings to the club. A real fan's captain.
#2 James Milner (Liverpool)
James Milner is the vice-captain of Liverpool FC. Everyone knows that the official captain of Liverpool is Jordan Henderson, but let's all accept the fact that James Milner is the real leader on the pitch. Even this season, Milner has started more games than Henderson and rightly motivates his team throughout the game. Even in the tense game against Paris St Germain, he was the one who ran a marathon and almost shut down every attack Neymar and Co could come up with.
He is the undisputed penalty taker for the Reds and has been doing so for quite some time. Even with the presence of Salah, Firmino, and Mane, Jurgen Klopp has gone to Milner every time the team gets a penalty. His calmness and his willingness to do anything for the team is a trait that his teammates really look up to.
#1 Mark Noble (West Ham United)
Ever heard of fairytales? If not, then here is one for you. Starting his football career at his boyhood club, moving up the ranks and breaking into the first team of the club he loves, playing week in and week out in front of the fans he adores and being part of the club for 13 years as a professional and leading his beloved club for eight years. Dreams do come true.
Mark Noble is the only captain in the Premier League apart from Troy Deeney who has spent almost every day of their lives at one club. At 31 years of age, he is set to continue playing for West Ham and even retire there as well. He is the player who the kids at the academy look up to and the players on the field adore him. He is a real warrior and always runs a marathon in every game. He is the true captain and rightfully he is the best captain in the Premier League.
