On 19 May 2019, Vincent Kompany announced he was leaving Manchester City. The centre back would return to Belgium to serve as a player-manager for Anderlecht.
His career began with the Belgian club, where he played for Anderlecht’s youth and senior teams. He was sold to German club Hamburger SV in 2006, and became a member of Manchester City in 2008. The rest was history.
Following his arrival in 2008, Kompany became City’s established captain during the 2011/12 season. He would then remain as the club’s skipper until his departure in 2019. The Belgian made 233 appearances as club captain from 2011-19, where he helped the City to four English Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups and two Community Shields.
He will surely be missed, but with his departure, who will become Manchester City’s new skipper? A few candidates are listed below.
David Silva
One of the two remaining members of City’s 2011/12 title winning side, David Silva served as the club’s vice-captain whilst playing alongside Kompany. With the absence of the Belgian in several matches, Silva acted as City’s captain during the 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2018/19 seasons. Thus it would logically make sense to install him as City’s new captain for the upcoming 2019/20 season. This decision, however, would be a temporary solution as his contract expires in 2020. Given he will be 34 years old by the end of next season, it is possible he could be on the verge of retirement.
Fernandinho
Fernandinho served as captain in Kompany’s and Silva’s absences. He was established as City’s third captain under Pep Guardiola’s managerial tenure, and it is likely he will assume this role in the upcoming 2019/20 season. Like Silva, however, his contract will expire in 2020 and he will be 35 years of age at the end of next season. Thus he too is a temporary solution.
Sergio Agüero
The Argentine has captained City on rare occasions, but given his influence at the club, Sergio Agüero could be tipped as City’s next captain. He has helped inspire his side to a series of comeback victories, including wins against Queens Park Rangers to help earn City’s first EPL title; keeping his side alive in the 2014/15 UEFA Champions League with a hat-trick against Bayern München; and earning a crucial winner against Swansea City in the 2018/19 FA Cup Quarter-finals. His contract expires in 2021, which would allow him to play at the club for at least one more season than Silva or Fernandinho.
Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has simply been remarkable since his arrival in 2015. He played an instrumental part in City’s Centurion and treble winning seasons, and has scored 70 goals in 191 appearances in all competitions. The winger is a valuable piece in City’s squad, and with his contract expiring in 2023, it is assumed he will help City win more trophies in the seasons to come.
It is his performance off the pitch, however, that is so inspiring. Sterling has helped lead a campaign against racism in world football, and his actions have not gone unnoticed. In 2019 he won the sportsman of the year award at the 2019 British Ethnic Diversity Sports Awards “for his stance against racism,” and the 2019 Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year for “setting examples in society.” Sterling’s character both on and off the pitch has demonstrated he has what it takes to be a leader.
Bernardo Silva
Finally, Manchester City’s 2018/19 Etihad Player of the Season played a remarkable role in helping his side win the domestic treble. Bernardo earned a starting place in the City squad, defeating the likes of Leroy Sané and Riyad Mahrez for the spot of left wing. His work rate was superb, and he has developed a strong mentality when playing for the squad. Former City skipper Kompany even tipped the Portuguese to become City’s future leader.
In a recent interview, Kompany told Bernardo he is “50 per cent clown, 50 per cent leader. When he becomes 25 per cent clown, 75 per cent leader he will become the captain of this team.”
Bernardo’s contract is also set to expire in 2025, meaning he, like Sterling, may be with the club for a long time.
Honorable Mentions: Kevin De Bruyne, Aymeric Laporte
Final Thoughts
Overall, the future leader of Manchester City will have a daunting task as he will have to fill the shoes of former club captain Vincent Kompany. It will not be an easy task, but this City squad is filled with several leaders.
With this list in mind, who will be Manchester City’s future captain?
Poll
Who do you think should be City’s next captain?
This poll is closed
-
25%
David Silva
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10%
Fernandinho
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10%
SergioAguero
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13%
Raheem Sterling
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23%
Bernardo Silva
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17%
Other