Captain’s pick is no easy task for Farke

Daniel Farke may opt for the status quo when it comes to the Norwich City captaincy. But you can be sure that will not stop fans posing the question. Paddy Davitt assesses some of the leading candidates.

Daniel Farke spoke about the leadership core within his young squad at various stages towards the end of last season when the pressure was starting to crank up. But this is so much more than simply wearing the armband or leading your team mates out of the tunnel and onto the pitch.

It is about setting the tone and the right example when it comes to just how the Canaries propose to upset the odds and remain in the Premier League.

Christoph Zimmermann is the front runner in an online Pinkun poll which launched on Thursday and attracted more than 3,500 votes in the first 24 hours. But you could also make a compelling case for the likes of Grant Hanley and Timm Klose.

In reality, any discussion around who is Norwich City's captain ahead of a return to the big time is as much about who is likely to be an ever-present, barring injury or suspension.

- Christoph Zimmermann

Captained the side 18 times last season and is clearly one who leads by example. The 26-year-old has rewarded the faith in him shown by Farke in following the same path from the fourth tier of German club all the way to the top flight.

That soaring career path demonstrates the 26-year-old is unlikely to be fazed by facing some of the biggest names in the game.

Zimmermann gets the culture in place at Carrow Road and away from the pitch is a perfect role model.

There are plenty of reasons to support why he is the overwhelming choice of those who cast a vote. The one question mark is whether Farke views him as his first choice central defensive pairing with the top flight experience of Klose and the potential of Ben Godfrey.

- Timm Klose

The Swiss international was originally bought to sustain City in the Premier League.

That might not have gone to plan but he remains one of the few at Farke's disposal who has played at the top level in both England and Germany for that matter.

Klose delayed his return to full pre-season action to ensure he was fully over a knee problem which hampered his involvement during the Championship title run in.

Another who leads by example but any who follow him on social media will also know he has the personality and the leadership qualities to galvanise his team mates.

Klose looks lean and fit and perhaps desperate to prove a point or two. He also took the armband for the midweek Atalanta game and as such must be at the forefront of Farke's thoughts.

- Grant Hanley

Speaking of players who really need to make up for lost time, Hanley was the man in possession of the armband for the opening game last season. But an injury-hit pre-season was the precursor for a lengthier absence in the first half of that campaign.

Then a red card against Portsmouth on FA Cup duty effectively ended his chances of playing a more prominent role. The Scottish international had featured for the majority of City's pre-season build up until tweaking his groin against Luton and missing the midweek defeat to the Italians.

The manner he cajoles and communicates on the pitch has been one of the stand out features of City's close season preparations.

Hanley, at his dominant best on the park, is another who leads by example.

First and foremost, he needs to prove his fitness to come into consideration. But having missed a vast chunk of last season Farke may feel there are better suited central defensive options for the start of the Premier League quest.

- Tim Krul

Perhaps a leftfield suggestion but Krul was the only ever-present in the run to the Championship title and he has the most experience of any Norwich player in the Premier League.

For those two reasons alone you could not completely discount the Dutch international.

Farke and sporting director Stuart Webber have both made much play of his huge influence inside the dressing room and particularly the manner he helped the likes of Jamal Lewis, Max Aarons and Godfrey to blossom. Ralf Fahrmann's summer arrival on loan from Schalke 04 is a challenge you suspect Krul will relish.

If he remains the undisputed number one then he has to come into the equation.