For the first time in seven years, Everton need to appoint a new captain. Seamus Coleman's decision to call time on his illustrious playing career with the club means David Moyes has a decision to make before the Premier League campaign gets under way against Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on August 22.
The obvious choice would be James Tarkowski, who effectively has been the team's captain over the past two seasons given Coleman's limited appearances. But should the centre-back get the job full-time? Or is there someone else in Moyes' squad who should get the honour? Our writers have their say...
Connor O'Neill: Jarrad Branthwaite is the best choice
The easy answer to this question is Jordan Pickford, but unfortunately for the Everton goalkeeper, I'm never convinced by a goalkeeper being captain. Personally, the captain has to be someone on the field who can influence the game, perhaps by getting in the referee's ear throughout the 90 minutes.
James Tarkowski is the leading contender given he was deputy to Seamus Coleman, but considering his age, I feel the Blues need to look for someone younger. That stance then leads to two candidates: Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner. Both have been outstanding in recent years, especially Garner, as his commitment to Everton's cause cannot be doubted. Garner has emerged as a leader in Branthwaite's absence; he is cool, calm and collected and leads by example with his performances.
However, for me, the Blues' next captain has to be Branthwaite. He has everything you require in a captain. He's got the ability and presence and isn't afraid to tell his team-mates what he thinks during games. But above all that, the England international is someone who the club should look to build the team around. The 24-year-old also has captaincy potential, having skippered Lee Carsley's England Under-21s in the last-ever international match at Goodison Park on November 21, 2023, as they defeated their Northern Ireland counterparts 3-0. Branthwaite is the best choice to take the armband from Coleman.
Paul Wheelock: Two appointments needed
I think Everton have to make two captaincy appointments. They need officially to appoint Seamus Coleman's successor and then name who that player's vice-captain will be. Let me explain.
I think James Tarkowski should be the new club captain. He has been an excellent servant for Everton over the past four years and the decision to bring him in a free transfer from Burnley back in 2022 has been an astute one. I also think he will benefit from having a full pre-season under his belt after struggling and then recovering from injuries in the past two summers. But, for perhaps the first time in his Blues career, there is no guarantee Tarkowski starts if the club sign a right-back. Should that transpire, it would give David Moyes the option of moving Jake O'Brien inside to partner Jarrad Branthwaite, who when fit, is arguably the team's most important player.
I'm not writing Tarkowski off - far from it. But with Michael Keane also available, competition for places in the heart of the defence will be strong if that illusive right-back is recruited. Therefore, if there are times that Tarkowski is out of the team, the vice-captain needs to be someone who is playing every week. Jordan Pickford should do that. But like Connor, I prefer the player wearing the armband to be an outfielder. And that's why I am going for James Garner, a player Everton should be looking to build their midfield and team around.
