Everton will have to name a new club captain this summer following the departure of Seamus Coleman, after his incredible stint on Merseyside.
The Ireland international has not played consistent minutes for Everton in a good few years, which has seen James Tarkowski become the on-field captain.
However, Coleman remained the captain behind the scenes, with David Moyes keen to keep the veteran defender around for the leadership he provided off the pitch.
With Seamus Coleman gone, who should become Everton’s next long-term captain?🫡
At the age of 33, Tarkowski could still have years ahead of him in the Everton side, but competition for the starting centre-back spots is set to grow during pre-season.
Jake O’Brien is hopeful of returning to centre-back this season, with the Irish defender expected to push the likes of Tarkowski and Michael Keane for the spot alongside Jarrad Branthwaite.
With Tarkowski’s place in the starting XI not certain, recent comments from new signing Hayden Hackney have highlighted how Branthwaite may have what it takes to become Everton’s next captain.
Hayden Hackney hails Jarrad Branthwaite following his Everton arrival
Hackney will be hoping for his first run-out in an Everton shirt at the weekend against Bolton Wanderers having not made the squad last Saturday in the win over Dundee.
His absence was put down to his gradual integration into the squad following his move from Middlesbrough.
Speaking on the Everton YouTube channel, Hackney has shared just how well Branthwaite has helped him to settle in on Merseyside.
What is your message to Hayden Hackney after he inks his contract with Everton? 👋
Welcome to Merseyside, Hayden! 🤩
“Probably Jarrad from knowing him um from England as well. He helped me settle quicker,” said Hackney.
“Yeah, massive club, the fan base, it’s really, really big club and I can’t wait to get playing with them.”
Who could become Everton’s next captain after Seamus Coleman
Although the obvious choice will be to remain with Tarkowski, Everton will need to consider the long-term, with a player like Branthwaite or James Garner a possible option.
Coleman’s leadership behind the scenes was lauded at Everton as he made sure every new signing was looked after and welcomed to the club.
This can also be seen through Branthwaite welcoming Hackney at Finch Farm.
Although the two have previously played together for England’s U21 side, the comments do highlight Branthwaite taking the responsibility of ensuring Hackney’s smooth transition at Everton.
Moving the armband from Tarkowski to Branthwaite may prove a smart choice from Moyes as it would maintain a vocal figure in the backline.
The only concern surrounding Branthwaite would be his injury history potentially hindering his reliability in playing week in and week out.
Branthwaite is training with Everton, but he was held back from playing up at Dens Park last weekend against Dundee.
Having just turned 24, Branthwaite, who signed a new deal last year, would be a long-term captaincy option for the Toffees.
Players are going to have to step up behind the scenes to help fill the void left behind by Coleman.
It looks as if Branthwaite is doing just that, but there are other options available to Moyes to potentially replace Coleman as the club captain.
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