Real Madrid stars demanding a new method for choosing captains | OneFootball

Real Madrid have historically selected their captain based on seniority, with the longest serving players preferred as the team leaders.

Needless to say, that rule worked well in the previous generation when the likes of Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo ruled the dressing room, all of whom were natural leaders.

At the moment, however, there is a deep-rooted feeling that the current captains are not as strong-willed as a leader should be, and that feeling is beginning to creep into the dressing room.

A change in method?

As reported by Diario AS, voices in the dressing room are beginning to question the methodology by which Real Madrid select their captains and there is a strong call for it to change.

The recent incidents in the dressing room, especially involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni, coupled with the team’s poor performances on the field, have led to internal doubts about the captains.

The fight between Valverde and Tchouameni has triggered off a domino of events. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Several players are now demanding a change in approach and want to hold a vote to decide the order of captaincy and the candidates for the same. They no longer agree with the seniority-based rule.

The players feel that such an approach, which even Barcelona follows, allows deserving players and natural leaders to assume the role of a captain. After all, leadership must be earned and not forced on any individual.

As matters stand, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Vinicius Jr., and Thibaut Courtois are the captains of Real Madrid, but many do not see them all to be fit candidates.

It remains to be seen what the administration have to say about the same and whether they back the players’ request. After all, it is undeniable that Real Madrid need stronger leaders to keep the team united on the field.