Some Premier League captains have a greater impact off the pitch than they do on it. Liverpool are clearly better when theirs doesn’t play.
10) Bournemouth (Lloyd Kelly)
Gary O’Neil described himself as “desperate” to have Lloyd Kelly back and available for selection, saying the Bournemouth captain was “massive for us”.
But the caretaker manager did acknowledge that Bournemouth’s form had not suffered for the absence of their defensive talisman. “On the other side of that, I’m really pleased with what I saw at Newcastle, when we had to respond without him.”
The Cherries have since picked up further draws with Brentford and Fulham, sandwiching a win over Leicester, all without the guidance of Kelly. Marcos Senesi has acclimatised to the challenge of partnering Chris Mepham in his place while Adam Smith operates – admirably and out of position – alongside him at left-back.
Bournemouth are perhaps not specifically better without Kelly, but recent results seem to suggest they are at least no worse.
9) Chelsea (Cesar Azpilicueta)
Up to his 10th Chelsea manager and still rising through the ranks of all-time Blues appearances, with sixth-placed Petr Cech (494 games) next in his sights, Cesar Azpilicueta (486) remains an important reference point for all new coaches at Stamford Bridge.
It is the Spaniard who presumably shows managers around both the stadium and Cobham training centre, guiding them through the trophy room, introducing Abdul Rahman Baba and letting them pick one thing to take from Ross Barkley’s abandoned locker.
But Azpilicueta has been increasingly and gradually phased out as a first-team starter. He remains a remarkably valuable squad player, a reassuring island in the trophy-laden sea of chaos and upheaval. But Chelsea have better options in all of the numerous positions Azpilicueta can play and with everyone fit, he is showing Graham Potter to his seat and asking if he’d like anything fetching.
8) Southampton (James Ward-Prowse)
As part of this control experiment to see just how many completely untested Manchester City academy graduates and players with double-barrelled surnames is too many, most would expect the experience of James Ward-Prowse to be crucial.
Yet there is a growing sense pervading the Southampton fanbase that their veteran 27-year-old needs, at the very least, a break from leading these ludicrous Saints on the pitch.
Ward-Prowse has not missed a Premier League minute since October 30 of…
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