At Manchester City they start every season with an election. Each member of the squad votes who should be captain. The winner takes the armband and the next four become deputies, forming Pep Guardiola's leadership group.
This year's quintet of experienced characters are Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker. Occasionally there are some surprises; Sergio Aguero dropping out of that group after last September's ballot and the nine nominations Nathan Ake received.
Ake, a summer recruit from Bournemouth, had only been training for a few days, yet had clearly made an impression.