Former Tottenham midfielder Sandro has advised new manager Roberto De Zerbi to build the team around Micky van de Ven and appoint him as captain for next season. Speaking to Standard Sport, Sandro emphasised the importance of retaining the Dutch centre-back amid rumours of Cristian Romero's departure.
“Van de Ven needs to stay, he needs to be the captain for next season,” Sandro said. “I think De Zerbi will build a strong squad and it will help Micky as well. He's so important for Tottenham.”
If Romero leaves, Sandro suggested Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton as an ideal partner for Van de Ven, citing his experience under De Zerbi. “For me, Van Hecke is ready. He's ready to play because he played under De Zerbi and he showed that he can play in the moment, that he's mature,” Sandro added.
Sandro also backed Van de Ven to reach the level of Arsenal's Gabriel, provided the squad is strengthened around him. “Van De Ven has that ability to become that good. He just needs the players, the squad to help him a little bit,” he concluded.
