Spurs skipper is expected to depart this summer - and his successor is not clear
Sam Tabuteau
COMMENTS
Tottenham Edition
Your weekly briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau
I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.
Tottenham could be set to name a new captain next season, with Cristian Romero's future at the club in doubt.
Romero has been heavily linked with a move away from Spurs this summer and is reported to be closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid.
Vice-captain Guglielmo Vicario is also expected to leave Spurs before the start of next season, potentially leaving Roberto De Zerbi with a decision to make about who will take the armband next term.
Spurs were devoid of leadership last season, with Romero routinely neglecting his responsibilities as captain through rash dismissals and misguided social media outbursts.
This is something De Zerbi has been keen to address in the summer transfer window, and he hopes the arrivals of Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Sandro Tonali will add experience and leadership to his squad.
Spurs are not blessed with options to take on the captaincy, but Standard Sport assessed the three best candidates to take on the role this season…
Micky van de Ven
Getty
Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven struggled when taking on the captaincy in Romero's absence last season, but at 25 years old, he is still considered one of the key voices in the dressing room and was added to Thomas Frank's leadership group in October last year.
His sending off at a crucial point in a crunch relegation clash at home to Crystal Palace in March showcased his naivety and a propensity to look inward when Spurs are struggling.
The Dutch centre-half has, however, looked back to his best since De Zerbi took charge and is set to stay in north London after signing a new long-term contract.
A strong communicator and an influential presence both on and off the pitch, Van de Ven could benefit from taking on the added responsibility of the captaincy.
It is up to De Zerbi, though, to decide whether he feels Van de Ven is ready for the captaincy, given his age and relative lack of experience in a leadership role.
Pedro Porro
Getty
Pedro Porro
Spanish full-back Pedro Porro dropped to the ground as the full-time whistle sounded to confirm Spurs had survived relegation on the final day of the season.
Read More
Carabao Cup second round draw: Chelsea and Tottenham get home ties
Tottenham highlight Van de Ven leadership qualities as key transfer decision looms
Van de Ven issues 'excited' verdict after signing new Tottenham deal
Sponsored
Make 2026 the year of working smarter
Porro had given everything to get Spurs over the line, producing an all-action display against Everton to ensure Spurs' safety on an emotional afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Porro was one of De Zerbi's key players in the final seven games of last season, and he was rewarded for his contributions with a new five-year contract in June.
Despite interest from elsewhere, Porro is set to stay at Spurs, and whether or not he takes on the captaincy, he will nonetheless form a vital part of De Zerbi's leadership group.
Porro captained Spurs for the first time last season, and De Zerbi will likely entrust him to take on more responsibility should Romero and Vicario leave.
James Maddison
PA
James Maddison
James Maddison's return from injury in the final few games of last season was revitalising for Spurs.
Even though his impact on the pitch was limited, his presence alone provided a real boost as Spurs took 11 points from their final six games.
Despite a disrupted pre-season, Maddison is expected to play an important role this term, and De Zerbi will rely on the Englishman to provide inspiration on and off the pitch.
A well-liked and well-respected character around the club, Maddison has all the attributes to be captain.
De Zerbi has typically given the captaincy to his centre-backs, with Leonardo Balerdi and Lewis Dunk taking the armband during his respective spells at Marseille and Brighton.
While manager of Sassuolo, De Zerbi was not afraid to give the armband to more attacking players, with Domenico Berardi and Francesco Caputo both taking on the captaincy at times during his tenure.
De Zerbi, though, will surely not feel confident giving Maddison the captaincy if he can’t rely on him to play week in week out.
MORE ABOUT