Ireland legend Paul O'Connell believes Owen Farrell is the 'standout leader' to be Lions captain this summer.
O'Connell, the tour captain when the Lions last travelled to South Africa in 2009, believes the England and Saracens star is the man to lead Warren Gatland's side later this year.
And he added that Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones could benefit from Farrell taking over the leadership duties.
Speaking at an event promoting Vodafone’s Lions Live vlogcast series, O'Connell explained how he sees Farrell’s influence and competitive drive as key assets in the quest to topple the world champion Springboks.
"I like Owen Farrell. He's a real standout leader for me," said the former Ireland lock.
"With matches being played without crowds, you can hear so much of what the players are saying during games. You can hear Owen barking at his own players and encouraging them.
"A lot of it is about getting off the line and the physical side of the game, but a lot of it is also coaching people into position as well.
"He's pretty experienced, he's been on two tours already and he has a big leadership role with England. It wouldn't be unfamiliar territory for him.
"There are plenty of guys who could do the job, but for me in terms of experience and an appetite to lead, he's the real standout.
"When you pick a captain or leaders for the Lions tour, it's about picking guys who are willing to take ownership of what the plan is. Owen is a guy who enjoys leading and enjoys taking ownership. He's almost coaching."
Wales skipper Jones would be the pick of many after a stellar Six Nations campaign, where he led Wales to a Six Nations title, while Farrell endured a tougher campaign - with many questioning his qualities as captain.
But O'Connell feels that Jones, who led the Lions in their final Test decider against Australia in 2013, could benefit from not being the skipper this time around.
“If Alun Wyn Jones isn’t captain, he doesn’t change how he behaves," added O'Connell. "He’s still the same character.
“He’s another standout candidate, but you just wonder sometimes if a guy who has captained an awful lot and who didn’t have an awful lot of games coming into a fantastic Six Nations, if it would be good for him not to be captain for once.
“He’d be able to concentrate on his own game and support someone like a Farrell.
“I’d love to see Maro playing great rugby. He’s already a line-out caller. Alun Wyn captains Wales but doesn’t call the line-out, it’s a stress they take away from him which allows him to do his job better. You might think the same of Maro Itoje.”
