Saints Marching
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Four contenders to replace Virgil van Dijk as Southampton’s team captain

By Conor Dunford

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Oriol Romeu (C) of Southampton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 09: Oriol Romeu (C) of Southampton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Southampton and Crystal Palace at St Mary's Stadium on January 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Hal Robson-Kanu of West Bromwich Albion (L) shoots as Fraser Forster of Southampton (R) attempts to save during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on April 8, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND – APRIL 08: Hal Robson-Kanu of West Bromwich Albion (L) shoots as Fraser Forster of Southampton (R) attempts to save during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on April 8, 2017 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Fraser Forster

Goalkeepers often divide opinion when it comes to the captaincy. With very little influence on the game when the play is at the other end of the pitch, some think it is a waste of time.

Fraser Foster, in this specific case, would be a safe option. Having only signed a new 5-year deal earlier this week the chances of him moving along any time soon are minimal. Something else to consider is that Forster, injuries aside, plays nearly every minute of every game. His presence is consistent, giving stability to the role.

Forster may also flourish under the role, his confidence was seemingly knocked last season after a spell of poor performances. Being named team captain and having the extra responsibility may force him to be more vocal and commanding among his teammates, something many fans criticised him for last season.

With the likes of Hugo Lloris at Tottenham and Tom Heaton at Burnley proving the captaincy is not wasted on goalkeepers, maybe Forster could be in for a new contract and a promotion?