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Newcastle United: Who should be the captain in 2017-18?

By Carson A Merk

BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City and Newcastle United at Northern Commercials Stadium on July 26, 2017 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BRADFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 26: Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United during a pre-season friendly match between Bradford City and Newcastle United at Northern Commercials Stadium on July 26, 2017 in Bradford, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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With the Premier League season approaching quickly, who will serve as this year’s skipper for Newcastle United?

Last season, Jamaal Lascelles was a surprise choice for captain of Newcastle United. He was only 22 years old when the season began and entering his second full season with the club. Lascelles served as the skipper admirably, especially when we found out he played through a serious groin injury for much of the second half of the season. Will he keep the captain’s armband this season or will there be a new sheriff in town? Let’s take a look at a few candidates:

The Favorites:

Jamaal Lascelles

As mentioned above, Lascelles was a quality captain for Newcastle United as they navigated through the season in the Championship. He’s a great leader of men and certainly helped the club out of some rough patches last year.

Unfortunately, this season he isn’t as locked into a starting position with the addition of Florian Lejeune. It’s incredibly rare for a player that’s not a surefire starter to be the captain. He did wear the armband in the opener friendly at Hearts.

Jonjo Shelvey

If I had to choose a captain, it would be the English midfielder. He is arguably the club’s best player and is a consistent performer each time out. He also brings boatloads of passion to every match and has become a fan favorite Tyneside. Shelvey has served as a captain in two of the club’s friendlies so far this preseason.

Paul Dummett

The left back was captain last time out. He proceeded to get beat for the opening goal of the match. His play is not steady and he doesn’t seem to be a vocal leader.

His biggest claim to the position would be longevity. He came up through the club’s youth system and signed a deal with the senior squad in 2011.

The Long Shots:

Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, and Dwight Gayle

Clark was one of the best performers for the club last season and has experience as a skipper, captaining Aston Villa in his time there and also at different levels of the English youth national teams. Ritchie is a fiery competitor, and could use that passion to help motivate the side. Gayle was the leading scorer a year ago and may be the first choice target forward again this campaign.

Recent primary captains:

Alan Smith 2009-10

Kevin Nolan 2010-11

Fabricio Coloccini 2011-16

Jamaal Lascelles 2016-17