When Ange Postecoglou joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, one of the first things he did was set up his leadership group.
The Australian named Son Heung-min as the club captain but also made the somewhat bold decision to name new-signing James Maddison as one of his understudies, alongside the incredibly passionate Cristian Romero.
Then, at the start of this season, the manager decided to add goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to that group, which, given his undeniable importance to the team, makes a lot of sense.
However, with Son much nearer the end than the beginning of his career, Maddison inconsistent, and Romero constantly linked with an exit, there is a question over whom the team’s long-term future captain could be, although one of Postecoglou’s best signings could be the perfect candidate.
Spurs' future captain candidates
So, should Maddison be able to play an entire season at near his best, or the club can tie Romero down to a new deal in the next year or so, those two players are more than likely going to take the armband from Son when he eventually gives it up.
However, if that doesn’t happen, then there are several other options Postecoglou could turn to, and before we get to the player in question, it’s worth examining a few candidates, including Dominic Solanke.
Now, that might seem like a rogue choice, but even though he’s a recent addition to the squad, he is 27 years old, has plenty of experience, positive and negative, to draw from and, just as importantly, has been one of the club’s best players when fit this year, producing 19 goal involvements in 33 games.
Moreover, if Harry Kane was able to lead from the front at points, why couldn’t the former Bournemouth star?
Another star who could take the armband in the future is Dejan Kulusevski, who may have been a little out of form prior to his recent injury but has undoubtedly been one of Spurs’ best players this season.
The “world-class” star, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 42 appearances, and as he does for the national team, has led by example at times, such as away to Manchester United.
However, when it comes to the long-term future captain of Tottenham, one youngster signed by Postecoglou stands out to us.
Appearances
42
Starts
31
Minutes
3054′
Goals
10
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
152.7′
Spurs' future captain is lying in wait
There are several exciting youngsters Postecoglou signed last year, from the exceptionally talented Lucas Bergvall to the dynamic Wilson Odobert.
However, when it comes to being the club’s future captain and leader, our thoughts go straight to Archie Gray.
The former Leeds United gem joined the North Londoners for around £30m in the summer and, despite still being just 19 years old, has already established himself as an important member of the first team.
The Durham-born maestro might be a midfielder by trade, but constant injuries to the Lilywhites’ defence this season have seen the teenage sensation given far more game time than anyone would have expected.
So far, the “outstanding” prospect and “future £100m” player, as dubbed by respected football analyst Ben Mattinson, has made 19 appearances at centre-back, 12 at full-back, three in defensive midfield and come off the bench another three times.
Centre-Back
19
Right-Back
7
Left-Back
5
Defensive Midfield
3
Other
3
This ability to come into the team with no fuss and play whatever role is asked of him to a high level helps to demonstrate his impressive understanding and ability to read the game.
Moreover, even though he’s young and had to play in the backline of a team who have struggled this year, the England U21 ace has not once let his emotions get the better of himself, showing that he already has the temperament to be a captain, alongside the undeniable technical ability.
Finally, when he does move back into the middle of the park, the “future £100m” star, as dubbed by Mattinson, will be perfectly placed to lead his side, being close enough to help martial the backline as well as being close enough to instruct the attack.
Ultimately, it’s going to be quite some time before it happens, but from everything we have seen of Gray this season, he looks destined to become the captain of Spurs one day.
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