Pochettino must make Frenchman Spurs’ permanent captain
Published:Michael Dawson’s move to Hull, after nine years service to Tottenham, means Mauricio Pochettino must appoint a new club captain at White Hart Lane.
With the England international out of favour under the Argentine, other Spurs players have already been trying his armband on for size this season, but the manager insists any one of his squad could be handed the honour when he announces his decision after the transfer window.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with AEL Limassol, which the north London club are 3/20 to win, Pochettino said: “It is important that we have many leaders in the group. It has been Younes and Hugo and maybe Hugo tomorrow, or another player.”
Centre-back Kaboul has been leading the side out in Premier League games so far, with Lloris taking over when the Europa League rolls around. However, it should be that the French stopper is handed the armband permanently once transfer business is officially brought to a close.
As Les Bleus team captain, Lloris clearly has better credentials as a leader than his defensive compatriot, who cannot even break into Didier Deschamps’ side.
Lloris’ unrivalled position in the Lilywhites net helps the former Lyon man’s cause too. In the Tottenham defence, Pochettino can’t be anywhere near knowing his preferred starting partnership, having just signed Sevilla’s Federico Fazio and yet to use Vlad Chiriches in a competitive match yet.
Other outside candidates to assume the leadership role are Etienne Capoue, who has started both Premier League matches and been impressive, and Jan Vertonghen.
Of course there’s a possibility that there’s some significance in the decision to wait until after the transfer window before deciding, making an as yet unsigned new arrival getting the gig all the more likely.
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