A New Captain for Tottenham?

Ledley King’s retirement has presented Andre Villas-Boas with a number of issues ahead of the coming season. Not least is the appointment of a new captain. Ledley King has been the Tottenham leader for many seasons – first appointed captain by Jacques Santini for a match against Birmingham City in August, 2004 in Jamie Redknapp’s absense. When Redknapp was transferred the following January, Martin Jol made King captain at the age of 24 years. With King’s frequent periods out due to injury various players have deputised for him but now with his retirement who will be asked to take over the role?

The Candidates

Michael Dawson, Luka Modric, Scott Parker, Sebastien Bassong, William Gallas and Rafael Van der Vaart have all led the team out on occasions in the past couple of seasons. Of that list three can probably be immediately dismissed – Modric as he is looking to join Real Madrid this summer and hasn’t travelled to America, while the long term future of William Gallas and Sebastien Bassong at White Hart Lane is uncertain.

Michael Dawson has been a regular deputy for Ledley King in the past couple of seasons. Two serious injuries kept him out for much of last year, making only four Premier League appearances, and he may not be able to immediately command a place in the team with stiff opposition from Younes Kaboul, new signing Jan Vertonghen and Steven Caulker. Dawson is certainly fully committed when captain and gives 100% on every occasion as he does as a player. He is a highly respected professional who has always represented the club in a very respectful and distinguished manner. He is well liked by the supporters who appreciate his enthusiastic and pleasant nature.

Scott Parker has only been at the club for a year but had previously captained West Ham United and stepped in as Captain for Spurs last season. He leads by example and gives his all in every match as can be seen when he leaves the pitch at the end of the game. His position in midfield is ideally suited for the captain’s role as he can be a link between the defence and strikers to get messages across and be an influence on both. Depending on how Andre Villas-Boas sets up his team, Parker might be in competition with Sandro for a place in the team this season as the young Brazilian player has made great progress in the past twelve months and has the added pace and mobility which Parker lacks. Parker’s experience is an added bonus as is his steady, calming manner under pressure. On occasions last season, it was Parker against everyone, especially in the final minutes at Liverpool where he tackled, put in blocks as Spurs held on for a point. Such commitment is vital in a captain and was recognised by Stuart Pearce when naming Parker as his England captain earlier this year. However, injury concerns after his England exertions during the summer may result in his missing the start of the season and so could rule him out of consideration for the captaincy. Parker as captain would probably only be a short term appointment, taking his age into consideration as he will be 32 years old in October.

Rafael Van der Vaart captained Tottenham last year in the Carling Cup match at Stoke when a young team took to the pitch. He has captained his country where he is often more involved in matches than for Spurs. He is a player who accepts responsibility and who will lead by example.

Another possibility could be Jan Vertonghen but as he has only arrived at Tottenham it would put additional pressure on his shoulders to make him captain. He captained Ajax last season and would appear to be assured of his place in the team, as the player most suited in style to replace Ledley King.

To make a completely new beginning to his time as Head Coach at White Hart Lane, I could see Villas-Boas appointing Jan Vertonghen to the role. If the player is comfortable and has settled into his new surroundings, it would be a bold appointment. Vertonghen was made Ajax captain a year ago and led them to retain the League title as well as winning the individual awards as ‘Player of the Year’ in Holland and for Ajax so the responsibilities of captain didn’t have any adverse affect on him personally. He is a player who is used to winning trophies and Tottenham need that winning mentality and a captain with such experience and credentials could be what’s needed to take the club to the higher level that is required. If that were to happen, Vertonghen would be an inspirational choice.

If, it is thought that it is too early in his Tottenham career for Vertonghen and would be too much responsibility for a player new to the club, then the safe choice is likely to be Scott Parker. Either way, both players would be ideally suited to lead out the team.

Is it too soon to appoint Vertonghen? Who do you expect to be named as Tottenham captain?