Deep Into Injury Time's Alix Tucker writes:
"After a string of poor performances from Thomas Vermaelen, he has recently received a fair amount of criticism. Many people, myself included, have questioned his place in the starting 11, and his ability to captain the side. Although I do not think Vermaelen is a bad player, if he was not club captain would he, in his current form, continue to start every game ahead of Laurent Koscielny? I doubt it."
The captaincy seems to be hindering him. He hasn't been the same Verminator we know since he got it.