Fonte is an absolute legend at the club, but at some point in the next couple of years is gradually going to have to be phased out. The best course of action is to get his replacement in early (whether that be Denayer, Sumedo or someone from the academy like Jack Stephens or Alfie Jones) and used frequently as a rotation option. I don't think he's completely done yet and i'm amazed that he was even able to develop into the centre back he did after how he was for us in the Championship.

I'd have thought Davis would've been the most likely candidate for captain if it wasn't for his age, however he seems to put much more energy into a game than Fonte does. If VVD truly does see the next few years of his career with the club then that's a very refreshing view and being given the armband against Sparta Prague does suggest to me he's being groomed for the role. Which is weird because i'd have expected Puel to maybe pick a player like Bertrand who is more likely to have a long term future at the club and not be subject to bids from large clubs.