Alexandre Lacazette is continuing to prove that he is capable of being a long-term leader for Arsenal, which was epitomised with his recent message towards Charlie Patino on Instagram.
Lacazette has been Arsenal captain in the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was stripped of the role following another disciplinary breach.
The decision to give the Frenchman the armband was heavily questioned due to his ongoing contractual situation with the club.
However, since taking on the responsibility, the 30-year-old striker has been exemplary for the rest of the squad and the team’s performances have seen a dramatic improvement as a result.
Aubameyang was stripped of the captaincy ahead of the game against West Ham, and Arsenal have been excellent since, winning every game in the process.
The Gunners had previously been on a 10-match unbeaten run, but the victories were by fine margins which lacked that convincing feel.
Despite this, Mikel Arteta's side has won their last five matches with the attacking phase of play looking much more dangerous than in previous months.
This is hugely down to the presence of Lacazette and his ability to bring players such as Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka into the game, leading to their goal contributions seeing a major rise in recent weeks.
Lacazette has shown an unselfish nature on the pitch, which is certainly the quality of a captain, but it has also been due to his actions off it too.
Patino is on the fringes of the Arsenal squad and only recently made his first-team debut. Despite this, Lacazette still took the time to help the youngster settle in with a warming Instagram message insisting that he takes part in song initiation for Arsenal’s next game.
He also had banter with new young signing Aaron Ramsdale after he was awarded goal of the year, which came against Sheffield United before the England goalkeeper made the switch to Arsenal.
I don’t think there would be any doubt about making Lacazette captain if his contract wasn’t set to expire at the end of the season, as he continues to show true leadership qualities that highlight his capability of being the spearhead for Arsenal.
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