Philipp Lahm's departure from the German national setup has caused another problem aside from the lack of a natural successor for the right back slot. Joachim Löw, much like what he had to do prior to the 2010 World Cup, must pick a captain. It was widely suspected that Miroslav Klose might take over, having captained the side unofficially in Ballack's absence many times. However, Löw bestowed the honor to Lahm. Bastian Schweinsteiger became the vice-captain. And Klose was the third choice for the armband.
Schweinsteiger is seen as a natural successor. However, he lacks some of Lahm's traits. Although he has calmed down significantly since his formative years as a German international, he does have the tendency to collect unnecessary cards. He is the heart of the team; this is actually slightly problematic. This means that, if he is not in top form, the whole team falls apart. In the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final, the match ebbed and flowed as Schweinsteiger's emotions willed it to. Schweini is too emotional perhaps to become the captain.
There is also a larger reason to not hand him the armband. Basti's injury records leads to many absences. Friendlies are mostly played without him. A captain has to be present almost all the time, not just for the important matches.
Miroslav Klose is set to retire and although he has not announced his decision yet, it is clear that his age acts against him. He misses many Germany games due to injury as well. Not being regulars per se acts against both Schweinsteiger and Klose if Miro Klose does decide to stay for more appearances.
Starting matches regularly is definitely a criterion. This makes Manuel Neuer an automatic choice. He is a leading figure but he does not have the finesse of Lahm when it comes down to dealing with the press. Also, his position in goal means he cannot regularly be heard by his team mates in the manner in which a central player, like Schweinsteiger can.
The former captain though was not a vocal man. He led by example. This makes Sami Khedira a candidate. He was formerly captain of VfB Stuttgart and Germany U-21. Khedira might get the nod because of his position on the pitch as well and his ability to lead by example. There is one player who works harder than Khedira though; Thomas Müller is always ready to help.
Muller's age acts against him; however, his experience does not. He has already featured in three international tournaments and has won every major honor with Bayern. His interviews are always delightful; he seems to have the personality, the talent and the skill t lead the side.
Other options include Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Özil. Boateng's temper on the field has caused plenty of trouble before. This makes him unsuitable. Hummel's injury record means he does not play as many matches as a captain should. Kroos likes to stand alone and is not really a leading figure. Özil might be a surprising choice but his experience and his status as a regular might put him ahead in the pecking order. Mertesacker does not start matches on a regular basis.
Who do you think should be Germany's new captain? Let us know your thoughts!
