Marko Arnautovic has all the makings of a permanent West Ham captain

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West Ham United striker Marko Arnautovic could get even better the more he wears the captain’s armband.

The star was bestowed the honour by Austria on Friday in the absence of Julian Baumgartlinger.

The ex-Stoke City forward was successful in the role, scoring the game’s only goal to hand victory to his nation against Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League clash.

He is now back with his club, after an agreement was reached regarding the player’s early return. Arnautovic is currently being managed carefully as he has an ongoing knee issue.

It means he will not participate in Tuesday’s friendly against Denmark.

That’ll be a relief for West Ham supporters, who know full well how important he is to their team.

Arnautovic has been outstanding since ex-manager Slaven Bilic was sacked in November 2017.

Arnautovic could flourish as a captain

Stalwart Mark Noble isn’t quite finished at the club yet, but he doesn’t have too much longer in the grand scheme of things.

Although his form has improved in recent weeks, there’s a chance he won’t be able to sustain it all season.

Where Noble is afforded time to rest, Manuel Pellegrini shouldn’t think twice about giving Arnautovic the captain’s armband.

He has already done so this season against Arsenal, a game in which he scored, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He is starting to become more familiar with being a leader, and it definitely suits him.

Arnautovic has on outgoing personality that is perfectly suited to being a captain.

At Stoke he was hot-headed at times but there has been no evidence of that during his time at West Ham. Or rather, he appears fiery sometimes, but in a far more controlled manner.

He has matured, and has brilliant ability to go along with the leadership qualities he now possesses.

He is a club captain in the making, and it might improve him as a player even more.