Alexander Nubel is bailing on FC Schalke at the end of the year, so it’s time to get a new captain. Here are three candidates to take the armband.
In case you were wondering, yes, I’m still annoyed that Alexander Nubel is leaving FC Schalke. I think I expressed my comprehensive disgust when the news was first released, but for those of you wondering if I’m over it yet, the answer is no. And I probably never will be.
It’s just past the point of it still being a novelty, our star players leaving the club for “bigger” clubs that are only bigger in the moment.
Especially with all the stops David Wagner pulled out to try to keep Nubel. Like making him captain. Now, I revel in giving that armband to someone more deserving, and it’s time to consider the possibilities.
What we need now is a long-term captain. Someone who can carry the band for years to come, alongside David Wagner, and take Schalke back to where they belong on a regular basis.
There are a lot of candidates, but to touch a little bit on what my parameters were, I didn’t go for any payer over 30. Most of them are on their last contract legs anyway. I also didn’t pick any player too young, because that’s silly. I would love for Ozan Kabak to be captain some day. Just not this day.
I also wanted guys committed to the club. I mean obviously committed. And so, with all that in mind, let’s weight the top three options. Starting with No. 3.
3. Weston McKennie
I love Weston McKennie. Everyone does. Even most Dortmund fans I know love McKennie. Maybe it’s an American thing, or maybe it’s just that McKennie is just that awesome. And if there was ever a man more passionate about this club, I’d love to meet him, because McKennie has been loud and outspoken about how much he loves Die Knappen.
The big drawback with him is he’s still young. I think if you give him another couple years, he’d be the easy favorite for captain, but we need someone who’s ready right now and while I want to believe he is, a couple more years could only help.
On to No. 2.