2013 Year in Review: Top 5 Captains of 2013

As the calendar year draws to a close, I am taking a look at this year’s top 5 captains. These men have proved their capability during the tough times and have stepped up to the plate when their teams have needed them the most. At the back or out in front, these men are inspirational. I have picked players from all leagues who have captained their side in more than 20 games.Certain players have missed out by fine margins, including the likes of Adam Lallana, Siem De Jong & Thiago Silva

5. Francesco Totti – AS Roma

The Italian has been one of the best players in the Serie A for some time now, but has risen to great heights after his team’s recent run of 10 wins in a row. They are second in the table at the moment and Totti has been instrumental in their surge upwards. This season, he has already made a huge impact providing 6 assists and scoring thrice in the ten games he played. Last season, he scored 12 goals and provided as many assists in the 33 games he played.

His mere class and brilliance made Sir Alex say that he would go to Roma to sign him. His performances however were overshadowed by the fact that they finished seventh in the league. His loyalty to his club is unmatched and his hunger for victory is insatiable. He has been invaluable to Roma and has lifted the spirits of his teammates and the supporters through his quirky humour. His double against Inter showed just how a leader must deliver in the big games.

The term ‘No Totti, no party’ has held water as his team have thrived under his leadership. His grit and determination has earned him the 5th spot on my list and also a potential national call up, and has been termed as ‘an immovable object on the landscape of the Eternal City’. If he continues to deliver as a skipper and a forward, you may well see Roma coming close to a Serie A title.