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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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Maya Yoshida of Southampton and his young baby take part in a lap of appreciation after the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary’s Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Maya Yoshida of Southampton and his young baby take part in a lap of appreciation after the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary’s Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

Maya Yoshida

Only two seasons ago, Yoshida was seen as the weak link in an otherwise strong squad. Since the Jose Fonte episode last season, he has come into the team and proved to be a more than capable replacement for the Portuguese international.

Used as a scapegoat by many when performances were poor, he has now turned it around and topped it off by winning the Presidents award at the club awards at the end of last season.

Since the news of Forster’s new contract and VVD’s desire to leave the club, many have been calling for Maya to be given a new contract himself as a reward for his hard work and patience.

Giving the captaincy to someone who has still not won everyone over may be a risky move, but to reward those who work hard to improve would be a wise move, giving others reason to work just has much and improve their game and attitude.

That is one thing you cannot question when it comes to Maya, his attitude. A model pro, a model captain?

Let us know what you think, who out of these four options would be your preferred leader on the pitch for the forthcoming season?