Joris Mathijsen has been handed the captain's armband at AZ Alkmaar.
Joris Mathijsen has been handed the captain's armband at AZ Alkmaar.The 26-year-old defender has been given the role by coach Louis van Gaal following Denny Landzaat's departure to Wigan.
Van Gaal is confident Mathijsen is the right man to lead the team both on and off the pitch over the next few years.
"I see the captain as an extension of the coach on the pitch and I know that Joris can fulfil that task well," van Gaal told the club's official website.
"Also, off the pitch Joris has got a positive influence on the players and can represent AZ well in front of the press and fans."
