Arsenal Captaincy Issues: Thomas Vermaelen Must Rise to the Occasion This Season

When Thomas Vermaelen was brought in by Arsene Wenger in the summer of 2009, Arsenal fans weren't really expecting much. After all, how many center-backs from the Eredivisie had solved all defensive woes for a top Premiership side?

Well, Belgian Vermaelen certainly did a terrific job, though he didn't bring all problems to an end. "The Verminator" not only helped Arsenal's defense, with his toughness, fearlessness and excellent tackling ability, but he also made the Gunners more of an offensive threat in the air.

However, Vermaelen was sidelined almost the whole of last year with a recurring problem in his Achilles. Reports stated that he would "be back soon," and yet he failed to appear until the very end of the season.

And now that Cesc Fabregas' move to Barcelona is finalized, the captain's armband is up for grabs.

The Gunners have been better when a strong, commanding presence has been the skipper, for example when English hardman Tony Adams wore the band for them between 1988 and 2002. He was great at yelling at the players, telling them what to do and led Arsenal to victory countless times.

Though not exactly the same—given the small difference in position—defensive midfielder Patrick Viera captained the squad for a few years. His most memorable season as the skipper was that of 03/04 when Arsenal cruised to EPL glory, without losing a single game.

He was another fantastic leader in his time. Another example of the same is William Gallas.

The strong Frenchman was captain in the later 2000s, as he and Kolo Toure were the pair of center-backs for Arsenal. The one problem with Gallas was that he didn't have good chemistry with all the players, which is why Toure ended up leaving the Emirates.

Vermaelen is just as commanding as Gallas, if not more. He is very strong, can play through injury, is not afraid to shout at teammates once in a while and will never, ever shy away from a challenge.

Because Fabregas was an unfulfilling captain, fans and players alike have been pulling for a new player to wear the armband, something which striker Robin van Persie has previously done is Cesc's absence.

Van Persie, the Dutchman, hasn't really been a great captain or a bad one, which isn't a good sign. The captain always must have a positive effect, and Vermaelen is showing great potential to be Arsenal's next skipper.

Even in the first game of the season against Newcastle, the Belgian proved that he is one of the most defensively sound center-backs in the league. Since the other center-back spot is also in jeopardy for Arsenal, it would be great if a fellow center-half helped bring the defense together.

Given that Vermaelen is already wonderful at his own job, maybe it is time for Arsene Wenger to hand the armband to him, in order for Thomas to assist others.

Turning 26 in a few months, Vermaelen is at a stage in his career, where many players tend to peak. Luckily, he is now in full health and raring to go for next season, as his Achilles problem is fine. 

Still, Arsenal fans must keep their fingers crossed, and hope that the problem in his foot doesn’t turn out to be a serious one. If the injury does turn out to be a hindrance in Vermaelen’s career, the Gunners would be very badly off and forced to buy one or two other center halves.

If Le Professeur decides to do so, it will be up to Thomas Vermaelen to help pull the Gunners through this difficult stage, where Arsenal are threatening to drop out of the top four.

The only question is, is he up to the challenge?