I think that's more of a weak squad issue.
We had previously had senatorii like Cambiasso, Stankovic, Samuel, Materazzi, JC, Milito who could all provide mediation to temperamental shitters like Balotelli or Lautaro. Now, our "senior" members are (were?) Ranocchia, Brozovic, D'Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Perisic, Icardi...
Skriniar is still young, de Vrij seems like a quiet dude and according to Spalletti is "a sensitive guy"
Godin is new, and everyone else sucks. Handanovic is not only the best choice, but really the only choice.
Though I do get your point. It's why Mourinho wanted someone other than Casillas to be captain - to deal with on pitch issues and talk to the ref etc.