Who Should Be Tottenham Captain Next Season?

Who should be Tottenham captain next season? Michael Dawson was appointed Spurs captain by Andre Villas-Boas on the retirement of Ledley King in 2012.

There have been many exceptional Tottenham captains over the years – Danny Blanchflower, Ron Burgess, Dave Mackay, Alan Mullery, Steve Perryman, Gary Mabbutt and Ledley King, to name some dating back to the 1950s. All of these players who have been Tottenham captain were class performers and led by example, setting the standards on and off the pitch and who gave everything for Tottenham Hotspur.

Where Should the Captain play?

It is many years since a Tottenham captain has been a midfield player. Many of the best Spurs teams have had midfield players as their captain. The more recent captains have been defenders or strikers and the great Bill Nicholson always thought that it was best to have a side with a captain in midfield where they were in constant contact with all the players.

With talk of the possibility of Michael Dawson leaving White Hart Lane this summer or that new manager Mauricio Pochettino should decide to appoint his own man, who should be the next Tottenham captain?

The Candidates for Tottenham Captain

Michael Dawson

While Michael Dawson is still at Tottenham, Pochettino might decide to retain him as captain when he’s in the team. Two years ago, on the retirement of Ledley King, when writing about the possible replacements as captain, I wrote this about Dawson,

‘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.’

These comments still remain true for Dawson – the fans know him to be a loyal player who loves the club and has shown that he’ll fight for his place.

If the transfer of Mateo Musacchio goes through, Dawson is unlikely to be a regular in the team so on that basis, Pochettino is likely to appoint someone else as captain.

Hugo Lloris

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Hugo Lloris is captain of France and has shown total commitment during his two seasons with Spurs. He gets on quietly with his job as goalkeeper but is quite prepared to speak out and call for greater effort from the team as he did on occasions last season. In spite of poor performances from the team Lloris maintained his form throughout the season, playing bravely and with inspiration to be one of the few players who came out of 2013-14 with credit.

It is often thought that goalkeeper is not the ideal position for the team captain but having Hugo Lloris as their captain hasn’t been detrimental to France.

Younes Kaboul

Kaboul has deputised for Dawson and is a very committed player who also leads by example. Like Dawson, his position in the team is uncertain especially if Spurs add to their central defenders in the final weeks of the transfer window. At present, he is also being linked with a move to Lazio so his Tottenham future is uncertain.

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Jan Vertonghen

Vertonghen was captain of Ajax in his final season with the Dutch club. Appointed by manager Frank de Boer, Vertonghen led Ajax to retain the League title for a second successive season. His own performances didn’t suffer with the responsibility of captain as he scored 10 goals that season.

When King retired in 2012, I wouldn’t have been surprised to have seen Vertonghen immediately appointed as captain by Andre Villas-Boas even though he was new to the club and English football. He had an outstanding first season but his standards slipped last season with injury and his focus seeming to be on the World Cup Finals with Belgium.

If he is fully committed to Tottenham this season, then he could well be a leading candidate for the captaincy.

Experience as Captain

Back in 2012 there were a number of players who had experience of being a club captain. Vlad Chiriches is the captain of Romania but his future is uncertain at Spurs and he is not certain of his place in the team. With limited options as Pochettino makes his choice, could he select one of the younger players at the club?

The Young Ones

Kyle Walker

Walker is a vital member of the team who always plays with 100% effort and commitment. He shows that it matters to him. Still learning the defensive side of the full-back role with a new manager’s instructions to be followed, the captain’s armband could be a step too far in terms of responsibility.

Lewis Holtby

Holtby would bring enthusiasm to the role and total effort. Not a player to shirk his role he would lead by example where effort was concerned. Not guaranteed a place in the team so would be an outsider for the position.

The Newcomer?

As there is such a limited choice available, perhaps, it could explain Pochettino’s desire to sign Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton.

A player he knows and who knows and understands the way Pochettino wants the team to play. If the signing is completed, Schneiderlin would be assured of his place in midfield and might be considered for the additional role as captain.

Your Choice –

Who would you appoint as the next Tottenham captain?

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