Who's the Best Captain in Europe?

Thomas

Senior Writer Written on September 26, 2008

The most important player on any team is the captain. Captains don't have to be the best players in the world, but they have to have several qualifications. For one, they have to be respected and influential. If they're not, they shouldn't be captain.

I'm not here to talk about captains though. I need your help. I've collected 15 captains from Europe—all of them great in anyone's opinion—and I want you to decide who is the best captain in Europe.

15. Steven Gerrad

Position: Center Midfielder

Club: Liverpool FC

The versatile English midfielder was made captain of Liverpool in 2003, replacing Sami Hyypiä. He has since led Liverpool to two Champions League finals. In 2005, he was named UEFA Club Footballer of the Year.

14. Juninho Pernambucano

Position: Attacking Midfielder

Club: Olympique Lyon

The Brazillian free-kick specialist joined Lyon from Vasco da Gama in 2001. Since then, Lyon has won the league title for seven straight years. Known for his deadly accurate free kicks, Juninho has been nominated countless times for the FIFA Player of the Year award and the France Football Ballon d'Or.

13. Francesco Totti

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker

Club: AS Roma

Of all the clubs he could've have gone to in his career, Totti has stayed at Roma. That shows commitment. The 31-year-old midfielder/striker has been one of the reasons Roma had done well in Serie A. He holds the club record as the most capped player and is the club's top goalscorer in history.

12. Alessandro Del Piero

Position: Attacking Midfielder/Striker

Club: Juventus

One of the veterans of the football world, Del Piero has been at Juventus since 1993. In that time, he has made a name as one of the most creative players in the world. Like Totti, Del Piero can play midfielder and striker. His free kicks and penalty kicks are a terror to any opposition. He is the club's top goalscorer in history.

11. Raúl González

Position: Striker

Club: Real Madrid

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written on September 26, 2008 Rankings/List

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