Steven Gerrard has elected to replace Tyrone Mings as the captain of Aston Villa as the defender faces the prospect of potentially playing fewer Premier League minutes next season following the arrival of Diego Carlos from Sevilla.
The Brazilian joined Villa in a £26million switch from the La Liga side and will next season be partnered with one of Mings, Calum Chambers or Ezri Konsa, who has made a miraculous recovery from injury over pre-season.
Mings took the armband from former skipper Jack Grealish last summer, but has since seen his role removed under Gerrard. Speaking of his decision to changes captains, Gerrard said: "John has demonstrated that he is ready to take on the captaincy through his performances on the pitch combined with his attitude and application in training.
He is a popular member of the dressing room who sets high standards and expectations of himself. "Emi is a respected senior member of the squad while Ashley Young’s experience speaks for itself and he is the perfect ambassador for the first team.