Who will be Manchester City’s next captain?

By Adam Marrett - 26 June 2023, 9:35

With the departure of Ilkay Gundogan for Barcelona, who is in line to be Manchester City’s next captain?

Here are some of the possible candidates to replace Gundogan in the role.

Ruben Dias

City’s Portuguese centre half is Manchester City’s leader in defence.

Dias is also a spiritual leader at Manchester City. There are countless clips of his inspirational speeches pregame, showing the leadership he gives the City squad. Dias lifts those around him through his words and play on the pitch.

It was no coincidence that Manchester City’s Premier League title clinching and treble march began when Dias returned to the line up and form. He brings a measure of calmness to the team and inspires those around him with his presence and play.

A 𝘽𝙄𝙂 tackle from @rubendias! ✋⛔️ pic.twitter.com/IZS17lXZ5O

— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 13, 2023

The Portuguese defender would be a prime candidate to replace Ilkay Gundogan as City captain.

Kevin De Bruyne

De Bruyne was Manchester City’s vice captain last season. It was a title he thrived under with another magnificent season from De Bruyne.

Kev leads through his play. He is so often the driver of the team, and his play sets the tone for his team mates.

In big games, De Bruyne delivers. City’s two crunch wins over Arsenal in City’s treble clinching season had De Bruyne’s fingerprints all over them.

Against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi final over two legs De Bruyne was again at his best. His inspirational equaliser at the Bernabeu in the first leg, set the scene for what came at the Etihad.

In the second leg at the Etihad De Bruyne inspired City before his substitution. He was a key part of City’s dominance over Real, providing assists for key goals and setting the tone. De Bruyne lifted his team mates as he so often does.

De Bruyne isn’t afraid to speak his mind when the situation requires it. A trait that helps keep the City machine rolling.

Pep “Pass the ball!, Pass the ball!”

Kevin De Bruyne “Shut up! Shut Up!” pic.twitter.com/a0Aa0GR4q6

— The Pep (@GuardiolaTweets) May 17, 2023

Rodri

A possible left field candidate for City captain, Rodri is integral to everything Manchester City do.

The performances from Rodri speak for themselves. He is now one of the best players in the world currently. Rodri is arguably Manchester City’s most important player. His play allows the creative players to do what they do best.

In key moments Rodri is always there to provide a lift for the team. His equaliser against Aston on the final day of the 21/22 season laid the foundation for Gundogan’s winner minutes later.

Rodri also provided the winner when City needed a hero in the UEFA Champions League final. City needed someone to deliver and it was Rodri again who stepped up.