For the second time in two seasons, Tottenham Hotspur find themselves in a precarious position in the Premier League, which has forced them to look over their shoulder.
Ange Postecoglou may have won the Europa League back in 2024/25, but it was his 17th-placed finish in England’s top-flight which led to him being handed his marching orders.
Thomas Frank was the man tasked with leading the Lilywhites back up the division this time around, but the Dane looks as though he could be suffering the same fate.
With just 13 games remaining this season, his side sit 15th in the division, just six points clear of the drop zone, with numerous sides below them currently in much better form.
As a result, the prospect of an unthinkable relegation battle could truly be on the cards, but the manager will be without one senior member for numerous of the upcoming outings.
Why Romero needs to be stripped of the Spurs captaincy
Following Heung-min Son’s departure in the summer, Frank’s first task was appointing a new club captain – subsequently handing the responsibility to centre-back Cristian Romero.
Upon his decision, the manager stated that he thinks ‘he has all the right qualities’ whilst also setting the right example with his ‘behaviour on the pitch’.
However, such a statement has certainly aged poorly given the 27-year-old’s antics on the field this season, which has led to the defender being dismissed from the pitch twice.
His first dismissal came in the defeat on home soil to Liverpool back in December, with the Argentine handed his marching orders after appearing to kick out on Ibrahima Konate.
Romero’s second red came against Manchester United last weekend, with his high challenge on Casemiro leaving his teammates with a mountain to climb at Old Trafford.
His subsequent sending-offs have taken his tally to six in just four and a half years in North London, with his reckless nature undoubtedly costing the first-team in key moments.
The best candidate to become Spurs’ new captain
As previously mentioned, numerous players have been blessed with the responsibility of leading Spurs forward with the armband, with South Korean forward Son managing to succeed in the role.
He led the side to European glory last campaign, subsequently being the first player to lead the club to a trophy in 17 years – which has no doubt cemented him in the club’s history.
Other players like Harry Kane have also had the privilege of wearing the armband, with the club’s record goalscorer often leading by example – something which Frank wants in a leader.
However, there’s no denying that Romero has failed to live up to expectations and struggled to deal with the responsibility such a situation brings on the pitch.
His latest dismissal should certainly be the final straw for the Argentine, with Frank needing to hand the responsibility to his centre-back partner, Micky van de Ven.
The Dutchman has been a superb option for the Lilywhites in recent years, after joining the club in a £40m deal from German side Wolfsburg back in the summer of 2023.
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The 24-year-old has since racked up 82 appearances for the club during such a period, arguably being one of the club’s most crucial players, now reportedly valued as highly as £100m by the club in January.
Frank subsequently named him as part of the leadership after his appointment, with the defender able to deputise and wear the armband in the absence of Romero.
Van de Ven, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by presenter Adam Smithy, has been the shining light in the Lilywhites backline this season – with his stats showcasing his remarkable form.
He’s completed 89% of the passes he’s attempted so far this campaign, whilst creating 0.2 chances per 90 – subsequently highlighting his impressive ball-playing nature.
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Micky van de Ven – stats in 2025/26 |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
23 |
|
Goals scored |
4 |
|
Pass accuracy |
89% |
|
Chances created |
0.2 |
|
Tackles won |
1.2 |
|
Aerials won |
1.3 |
|
Dribble success |
60% |
|
Recoveries made |
3.5 |
Out of possession, the Dutchman has been just as impressive, winning 3.3 duels per 90 and coming out on top in 1.3 of the aerial duels he’s entered per game this season.
He’s also made 1.2 tackles and 3.5 ball recoveries per 90, with his mind-boggling speed often helping him and his teammates get out of numerous dangerous situations in the defensive third.
Van de Ven’s tally of four goals in his 23 league appearances also demonstrates his quality in attacking areas, which also highlights his leadership qualities in stepping up when needed.
As previously mentioned, the responsibility of a captain for Spurs is someone who can produce the goods and push the club in the right direction – something which Romero has failed to do.
Van de Ven certainly possesses both of those talents in abundance, with Frank desperately needing to make the call and take the armband away from the Argentine.
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