Vicario, exit-linked star – Three players who could replace Son as Spurs captain
Thomas Frank has a tough decision ahead of him as he has to appoint a new captain at Tottenham.
Son Heung-Min announced he will leave Tottenham this summer in search of a new challenge after a decade with the North Londoners.
The South Korean’s departure will leave big boots to fill, and will give Frank the responsibility of selecting the next captain to lead the team forward.
There are plenty of candidates the Dane could elect for the role, as Tottenham News assesses the three likeliest players who could replace Son as the Spurs skipper.
Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario established himself as a leading voice in the dressing room very early on in his Tottenham career and was quickly inducted into the leadership group in N17.
The Italian can be seen barking instructions from the back throughout games, and is often spotted locked in intense one-on-one conversations with his players.
The talented goalkeeper has the skill to be a mainstay at Spurs for a long time, though he lacks the same level of command in and around his box when defending set pieces.
Nevertheless, Vicario’s intensity and drive to win could see Frank select him as captain, emulating Tottenham’s previous outstanding shotstopper, Hugo Lloris.
James Maddison
There are very few members of the Spurs squad who are better spoken than James Maddison.
The midfielder has an endearing manner about his character that sees players gravitate towards him.
Maddison is one of the most experienced players at Spurs, and seems to form a particularly close bond with the younger players, who look up to the attacking midfielder as somewhat of a mentor.
However, the 28-year-old has suffered from both injuries and losses of form in his two years at Spurs, raising doubts over whether he can be relied upon throughout the season.
Frank will have to decide whether Maddison’s natural leadership and human qualities outshine his potential weaknesses, but he will no doubt be grateful to have his character around Tottenham.
Cristian Romero
Possibly the most respected member of the squad, and certainly the most decorated, Cristian Romero is the obvious choice to take over the captaincy at Hotspur Way.
The World Cup winner has natural leadership qualities, which Ange Postecoglou said make the rest of the team “walk a little taller” when he is on the pitch.
The Argentine has already successfully deputised for Son on multiple occasions, including in the latter stages of last season’s UEFA Europa League triumph, proving that he is up to the task.
Romero’s uncertain long-term future is the only real obstacle standing in the centre-back’s way, but should the 27-year-old commit to Tottenham, then he is the outstanding candidate to lead Spurs.
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