Details have emerged regarding Manchester City's annual captaincy vote, with an unsurprising name entering the fold this season and a top performer from last term earning a promotion.
Following the release of the team sheet prior to City's 6-3 win over RB Leipzig in which Jack Grealish wrote the headlines with his sublime goal on his Champions League debut, fans noticed that Ruben Dias was named as captain despite Kevin De Bruyne starting for the first time this season – the 30-year-old regularly led out the side last season in Fernandinho's absence, including the club's first Champions League final.
However, Mike McGrath of The Telegraph exclusively revealed that City players and staff voted on the captaincy of the club this week, with Fernandinho expectedly remaining as captain, while Ilkay Gundogan was promoted to vice-captain – previously occupied by De Bruyne, and Dias earning third captain following his historic last season, with the Portuguese international's leadership well documented.
The reshuffle has led to De Bruyne occupying the fourth captain role, with Raheem Sterling – last season's third captain – likely dropping to fifth captain. But there has been no information beyond the fourth spot, so there is the prospect of someone like Kyle Walker, who was reported as being in the leadership group last season, actually occupying the fifth spot instead.
Dias was presented with his UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season award prior to kick-off against Leipzig, before then going on to lead out his City teammates for the very first time – at 24-years old, having only joined the club last year.
Written by: @NA1907_
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