Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger reckons defender Thomas Vermaelen's play may be suffering with the added responsibility of being club captain.
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Vermaelen took over the armband at the start of the season following Robin van Persie's departure for Manchester United.
But the 26-year-old seems to be buckling under the weight of the Gunners' captaincy with several mistakes flittering into his game of late.
Notably, his poor clearance at Old Trafford last Saturday which lead to his former skipper scoring the opening goal.
Also, Vermaelen deflected a goal-bound effort from Ibrahim Afellay into the net in midweek as Schalke fought back for a 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw.
He was playing out of position for the north Londoners at left-back, although many now feel his place in the side is no longer as a player first.
Wenger, however, believes Vermaelen has always been a merit selection, but admitted the Belgium international is having a tough time juggling dual-roles.
"Physically Thomas is outstanding, but what has happened to him in recent weeks has affected his confidence," said Wenger.
"You put more pressure on yourself when you are the captain. You want to be the best player in the team.
"However, you cannot be a defender and not make a mistake - but if you make one, then maybe you put a bit more pressure on yourself then because you think 'I am the captain and I cannot afford that'.
"Thomas is a guy who is completely involved in the game - he breathes his football from morning until night, he thinks about it [all the time] and wants to do well."
"If he deserves to play, I play him. Are you captain or not, I think he deserves to play. Thomas can help our stability at the back, that is important," the Frenchman added.
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