Fabricio Coloccini has never been a vocal skipper, and the pundits on MOTD have been quick to say he doesn't lead his back-line very well because of it.
The Argentine spent last season on the sidelines for large chunks of the campaign with injury, and he showed in yesterday's friendly that he looks well short of pace.
De Jong was skipper on his debut against Oldham Athletic and is comfortable with the role of vice-captain after being deployed as a dressing room enforcer by Pardew.
Siem De Jong: “I’m vice captain together with Cheick Tiote.
“I was captain at Ajax for the last two years.
“It’s a nice step to come here and get those responsibilities at the start.
“Hopefully I can pay a little back.
“I always wanted to play in the Premier League.
“It is a great step for me personally.
“Hopefully it will be a good season.”