What's a Captain's Role In Football?

"Breaking News : William Gallas stripped of captaincy at Arsenal", I read on a TV Channel some time ago—which makes me wonder, what truly is the role of a Captain in football?

Wearing the prestigious arm-band; leading the lads onto the pitch; holding press-conferences—trying to "look" important?

In other sports like cricket, a skipper needs to be alert, to make "on-the-spot" decisions like changing bowlers, introducing power-plays, changing the batting order, changing fielding positions etc. but in football most of these decisions are taken by a fellow in a dark suit screaming his throat out from the touch line.

Oh, how could I forget—the toss!

Does that complete the role of the so-called captain?

Is he, all-that important?

Is he allowed to have his "pathetic outbursts" after every defeat?

John Terry, Steven Gerrard, Francesco Totti, Paulo Maldini, and Carlos Puyol are some of the most successful skippers on the European circuit.

Are captains chosen on their commercial value—putting some "pretty boys" in TV commercials to earn the extra buck?

There were days when the "old boys" in the pubs who claimed to have played "original football" in the 60's and 70's lashed out on lads not being "captaincy material".

The "old Highbury screamer" was never happy with Thierry Henry wearing the captain's armband, it's a pity he didn't get to see William Gallas as "El Capitano".

The raging debate for Fabio Capello to choose between John Terry, Steven Gerrard, and Rio Ferdinand was widely criticized by all major circles of the British press.

Now, I'm going to look at what I think the perfect captain should have.

He should :

• Be able to co-operate with other players.
• Be able to create unity between the senior and the younger players.
• Be a "true leader" from the front, who can hold his nerve, use all his experience and guide his team over the finish line.
• Be able to control all his players—DISCIPLINE
• Be willing to understand the youngsters.
• Crave trophies and create a sense of victory amongst the squad.
• Never blame a fellow player for defeat.
• Be passionate about leading the side and should never fear defeat.

How many captains do you think can satisfy these requirements?