Top 5 candidates to be Barcelona's next captain 

Barcelona are having a great season under Ernesto Valverde but due to the departure of Javier Mascherano, they need to choose another captain this summer. Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, and Sergio Busquets are the three remaining captains after the Argentine defender's departure.

Although the Argentine midfielder's move to China in the winter transfer window has left the Catalan club with just three captains they have decided to wait until summer to choose their fourth captain.

Iniesta's stay at the Camp Nou is also not certain and thus they may have to choose two captains instead of one if the Spanish legend decides to leave.

Here are the prime candidates who may captain the Catalan club next season.

---

#5 Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

The German goalkeeper has shown his brilliance since his arrival at the club in 2014 and played as their goalkeeper for the European competition while Claudio Bravo used to play in the league matches.

But after Bravo's departure to Manchester City, Ter Stegen took the responsibility of being their no.1 in both competitions. The German has kept 18 clean-sheets in just 29 appearances in the league this season and also has the most clean-sheets in the Champions League (along with Loris Karius) with 5.

He is the goalkeeper that Barcelona have been waiting since Victor Valdes' departure and can be the no.1 at Camp Nou for a long-term. In the absence of Manuel Neuer, he has also taken responsibility as Germany's goalkeeper.

Ter Stegen always keeps his calm even in pressure situations - as stated by the manager Ernesto Valverde. His all-around brilliance is well known to the fans and thus, he has come up as a strong contender for becoming the fourth captain of Barcelona.

#4 Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez has proved himself to be an amazing asset for Barcelona by scoring 100 goals so quickly. He has already won La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa Del Rey with Barcelona.

He has also won the Spanish Golden Boot after arriving at the Catalan club and that came after he outshined both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Barcelona no.9 is having a great time this season too with impressive form, scoring 21 goals in just 25 league appearances.

He is a lethal striker and forms one of the best combinations with the genius Messi alongside him. The Uruguayan has established himself as one of the best strikers in Barcelona's history books within such a short span of time and it does look like he is going to stay at the Camp Nou for a few more years.

Suarez has established himself as an influencing personality on the field and looks like he could take the responsibility of leading the Blaugrana when needed. And this strengthens his position to be the fourth captain.

#3 Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba is another name on the list to become the Blaugrana's next captain. He has been serving the Catalan club for a long time now and has won several trophies with them.

Alba looked like he was on the decline a season ago but he has improved his fitness and returned to incredible form yet again. This season too he has already assisted 8 times in the league and twice in the Cup.

The left-back with Barcelona DNA can be gifted an armband by the club for his long-term services and loyalty to the club.

#2 Gerard Piqué

Gerrard Piqué - FC Barcelona

Piqué already acts as a captain without the official title, as he is experienced and committed to the Blaugrana cause. Having spent years at the Camp Nou club, the La Masia graduate has an impressive trophy cabinet with both club and country which proves his excellence in his position.

But that's not it, Pique is active not only on but also off the field. The defender is never afraid to make bold statements and he is a player who could firmly table his thoughts in front of the media.

Now 31, this may finally be his chance to become the next Barcelona captain. The only thing standing in the way is his controversial statements and tweets every now and then.

#1 Ivan Rakitić

Ivan Rakitić

Ivan Rakitić is the top and most sensible choice to become the next Barcelona captain. After coming to the Camp Nou, he has been an integral part of the team's midfield and has won two league titles and one Champions League trophy since his arrival at the club.

The Croatian midfielder has already been a captain at his previous club Sevilla as well as his national team Croatia. Being a gentle personality both on and off the field, he seems to be a much mature option compared to Gerrard Pique.

Being captain previously in his career makes him the no.1 choice to become the next Barcelona captain. And if Iniesta leaves, then there is no doubt that Rakitic will be one of the two new captains.