3 players better suited to Newcastle captaincy than Shelvey

The subject of Newcastle’s captaincy, and Fabricio Coloccini’s ownership of it, has been a recurring topic of discussion at the club in the last few seasons.

It wasn’t long ago that John Carver was pushing for a change of armband wearer during his tumultuous interim stint on the Magpies sidelines. Earlier this month, he repeated those beliefs as calls again grew for the Argentine to be replaced.

With the centre-back now ruled out of action with injury, Steve McClaren is expected to find a new leader. Rumours suggest that Jonjo Shelvey is the frontrunner to land the role. However, the midfielder is only a month into his St James’ Park career and doesn’t exactly have a reputation as an example to follow from previous clubs.

Here are three men far better suited to the captaincy than the former Swansea midfielder:

Rob Elliot

Elliot has been a leading example of the fight required for a relegation battle since replacing the injured Tim Krul between the sticks in October. The goalkeeper is often seen leading the pre-match huddle instead of Coloccini as it is.

If rumours that McClaren may appoint a replacement for Coloccini for the remainder of the season are true, the Irishman would be a fine choice having given his all to the cause this season.

Daryl Janmaat

The Dutchman has enjoyed a fine campaign in the face of adversity this season and was often Newcastle’s best attacking outlet in the early struggles under McClaren.

A guaranteed starter, a consistent performer and a Dutch international, the 26-year-old right back has the necessary credentials, including enough Newcastle experience, to make the captaincy his own.

Georginio Wijnaldum

In a poll conducted by Newcastle fan site The Mag to find the supporters’ choice to replace Coloccini, Wijnaldum finished second. Incidentally it was Shelvey that topped the charts with 44 percent of the vote, but the Dutchman is actually far better suited to the job.

The wizardly midfielder has played more Premier League minutes than all of Newcastle’s squad bar the current skipper this season and was captain of PSV’s title-winning Eredivisie campaign last term.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.