The case for Boateng
In an interview to fcbayern.de, the club’s site, central defender Boateng said that he is ready to take on additional responsibility. This means, in short, that he would like to be vice-captain.
He certainly has a point. In the last two years, the centre-back has become one of the more reliable players, with a commanding presence in front of Neuer.
Gone are the days when Boateng would pick up a stupid yellow card or an avoidable red card. He is not a hot head anymore. Calm and serious, the German international has gained on-the-pitch leadership.
Central defenders usually make good leaders because they direct traffic at the back and help a team to push forward in organized fashion.
In addition, Boateng has gained valuable experience at the top level. He plays his best football in difficult Champions League and World Cup games, respectively for Bayern and Germany.
If the CB adds to his presence by providing direction in the locker room, he can be considered as the full package.
The case for Neuer
However, Boateng should not be considered as the only prime candidate for the position. What about Manuel Neuer, a natural leader and top performer?
Importantly, Neuer is incredibly cool under pressure. He stepped up to the plate in the Champions League final in 2012, taking a penalty shot when his teammates were afraid to go to the spot.
Remember his reaction when the team lost that final. Neuer went to see his mates, providing them with comforting words although he probably had suffered the most heartbreaking defeat of his career. Few football players have the strength to do this.
Should Neuer’s Schalke ultra days be held against him? I am sure that the Südkurve, Bayern’s most intense fans, would say yes. They wanted to prevent the goalkeeper from singing certain traditional songs because they felt he could not be considered a true Bavarian.
I think they should move on. Neuer has become a genuine Bavarian leader since joining FCB and he should be recognized as such. The fact that he grew up as a Royal Blue does not mean he is not loyal to his current team. His early contract extension showed it.
People change. People evolve. The keeper has done just that.
Who to pick?
Both men are excellent candidates. They are both worthy of leading a team. Carlo Ancelotti has a tough but interesting decision to make.
In my opinion, Manuel Neuer has a slight edge. As both command respect, the man whose presence was oversized and positive in dramatic situations should be considered as a vice-captain, and eventually captain.
Neuer is the kind of guy who can take command of a ship in a major storm, helping Bayern to make it to the shore. For that very reason, I would pick him.
According to you Who should be the captain??? Lemme know in the comment section....
#PeaceOut....
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