Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney the Captain-Elect

Kieran Tierney will captain Arsenal. No question about that.

This is no knee-jerk reaction to a stunning solo goal against West Brom, nor down to his public backing of Mikel Arteta and admittance that Arsenal have faltered down to the players’ inadequacies above all else.

Hearing such honesty is a breath of fresh air even cooler than the Hawthorns breeze on Saturday evening. Kieran Tierney has always worn his heart on his sleeve, never dallied with frivolity. The Scot will not mince his words, nor will he ever leave anything lying on the turf. Such ruggedness and commitment on the pitch is matched with his demeanour off it.

The issue of captaincy at Arsenal has been a long-standing concern; a task bestowed upon various members of the squad. It hasn’t been a case of there being too many leaders, and instead one of there being too few. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has since taken over the mantle, one handed to him arguably over sheer talent as opposed to leadership.

This is not a debate of relinquishing him of his duties, more one of ensuring that it’s attributed to the rightful successor. Aubameyang should keep the armband for as long as he’s at the club. Stripping it of him now would do harm, not good.

When the time comes, however, Tierney is the heir to the throne.

Just 23 years old and 18 months into his Arsenal career, every attribute one could aspire for in a captain is evident within the Douglas-born man. Not only a leader by vocality, his words transpire onto the pitch, where his own non-negotiables of unwavering determination and spirit reside.

Perhaps most crucially of all is putting the team ahead of personal glory. As a captain, your role is to lead your club into battle, one you win at all costs even if you are a casualty. Tierney is all of that, and more.

Someone who’s forged an immediate bond with supporters, will face up to criticism and never shift blame. If something needs to be said, he’ll say it.

Victoria Concordia Crescit. The club motto.

One can only achieve harmony when there is unity. Not for years have Arsenal fans had someone they want to rally behind and unite under quite like Tierney. He’s not even the captain, but he feels like one. Moreover, he will be one.