Tottenham Hotspur could be set to appoint a new captain for the upcoming season, with current skipper Cristian Romero heavily linked with a summer exit. The Argentine defender has attracted interest from clubs in Spain and Italy, and his departure would leave a significant leadership gap in a squad that struggled for direction last term.
Leadership Void at Spurs
Romero's tenure as captain was marked by controversy. He routinely neglected his responsibilities through rash dismissals and misguided social media outbursts, leaving the team devoid of on-pitch leadership. Vice-captain Guglielmo Vicario is also expected to leave before next season, compounding the issue. New manager Roberto De Zerbi has identified this as a key area to address in the transfer window, hoping that the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dubravka will inject experience and authority into the squad.
Despite the influx of new faces, De Zerbi must decide on a permanent captain from the current roster. Standard Sport assessed the three best candidates to take on the role next season.
Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven struggled when he briefly wore the armband in Romero's absence last season, but at 25, he remains a key voice in the dressing room. The Dutch centre-half was added to Thomas Frank's leadership group in October last year. However, his sending-off in a crucial relegation clash at home to Crystal Palace in March exposed his naivety and tendency to focus inward when the team is under pressure.
Since De Zerbi took charge, Van de Ven has returned to his best form and appears set to stay in north London after rumours of a move away. A strong communicator and influential presence both on and off the pitch, he could benefit from the added responsibility of the captaincy. It remains to be seen whether De Zerbi believes he is ready, given his age and relative lack of experience in a leadership role.
Pedro Porro
Spanish full-back Pedro Porro dropped to his knees at the final whistle when Spurs secured Premier League survival on the last day of the season. His all-action display against Everton epitomised his commitment to the cause. Porro was one of De Zerbi's key players in the final seven games, and he was rewarded with a new five-year contract last month.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Porro is set to stay at Spurs. He captained the side for the first time last season, and De Zerbi is likely to entrust him with more responsibility should Romero and Vicario leave. Whether he takes the armband permanently or not, he will form a vital part of the leadership group.
James Maddison
James Maddison's return from injury in the final weeks of last season revitalised Spurs. Though his on-pitch impact was limited, his mere presence provided a boost as the team took 11 points from their last six games. With a full pre-season under his belt, Maddison is expected to play a pivotal role next season, providing inspiration on and off the pitch.
A well-liked and respected figure around the club, Maddison has all the attributes to be captain. However, it would be a surprise if De Zerbi named him as Romero's replacement, given the manager's history of favouring centre-backs for the armband. At Marseille and Brighton, he appointed Leonardo Balerdi and Lewis Dunk as captains, respectively. At Sassuolo, he occasionally gave the armband to attackers like Domenico Berardi and Francesco Caputo, but Maddison remains an outside shout.
