Enzo Maresca backs Ruben Dias to become new Manchester City captain
New Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has identified Ruben Dias as the leading candidate for the club captaincy over Erling Haaland ahead of the upcoming season.
The defensive stalwart is in pole position for the armband because his Norwegian team-mate simply scores too many goals.
Maresca prefers to use the moments after his side finds the net to call his skipper to the touchline for immediate tactical adjustments.
That specific requirement counts against the prolific striker, who registered 38 goals last term and boasts an incredible 162 strikes in four years at the Etihad Stadium.
Leadership expectations and departures
The reigning champions are actively searching for a new on-pitch leader following Bernardo Silva’s high-profile departure to Real Madrid.
“Because if he scores he can’t celebrate, yes,” Maresca explained regarding Haaland’s unsuitability for the demanding role.
“Ruben has shown during his time at this club how he is as a player, in terms of leadership,” he added.
“It’s important for the captain and the leader to know that the reason they are captain is because I expect more from them.”
Rebuilding the senior hierarchy
Spain international Rodri was part of the four-man senior group last season, but the World Cup winner’s future remains uncertain amid twin transfer bids from Barcelona.
“At the moment, Ruben and Erling are the only two, but I want to wait until the end of the window and then pick two more,” Maresca stated.
Potential candidates to join the player hierarchy include longest-serving academy graduate Phil Foden, Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, former Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi, and veteran midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
New arrivals and tactical shifts
The Italian head coach will face his first competitive test on Sunday when his squad meets Arsenal in the Community Shield.
Supporters could witness a debut for Elliot Anderson following the England international’s club-record £116m transfer from Nottingham Forest.
Should a vacancy arise in central midfield, the big-money signing is viewed as a direct replacement operating in front of the defensive line.
“He’s a holding midfielder, but he can also be an attacking midfielder,” Maresca noted.
“The good thing about Elliot is that he is young so you can work with him and help him to improve as a number six or an eight arriving in the box.”