Mexican import Ulises Davila has been named Wellington Phoenix captain for the upcoming A-League season.
The midfielder was a star-turn for the club last season, scoring 12 goals and adding five assists across 27 matches, during a stellar campaign for the A-League club.
The 29-year-old succeeds former Newcastle United stalwart Steven Taylor, who had replaced long-time captain Andrew Durante.
Davila becomes just the fourth skipper in club history.
"I’m very happy to be named the captain, and like I did last season I will try to give my best for the team and for the club," says Davila.
"When Uffy [Ufyk Talay] told me that he wanted me to be captain, he said he wanted someone with experience, who will work hard and be a professional.
"I'm not a man with many words or who talks a lot, so I will be a captain who leads by example and by my actions - and who helps to set the standard for the rest of the team."
Coach Talay says naming Davila was the obvious choice amongst a young playing group.
"Last season Ulises was a very influential player for the team, both on and off the field," says Talay.
"He commands a lot of respect from the rest of the boys with both his level of play and his professionalism, the way he conducts himself at all times - he’s an influential part of the team.
"I see Ulises being a leader not so much by his words, but by his actions on and off the field - I know and the team knows that every time he goes out on the field, he’s going to play to the best of his ability and do everything he can to win.
"Obviously he’s a good young player and I’m excited to see what the team can achieve this season with him as captain.
New Zealand international Alex Rufer has been named vice-captain for the campaign.
