Poch could unleash ‘future Tottenham captain’ at Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur have a number of top players in their first-team squad, but their supporting cast has been lacking for some time.

The spotlight has been on Igor Tudor following last week’s understandable sacking of manager Thomas Frank, but the Croatian is expected to erase any relegation talk that has come up after winning just two of his 17 Premier League games.

A proactive, attacking coach who imposes his authority on his players, he could be exactly what Spurs need, and his style of play could revive club captain Cristian Romero after his recent struggles.

what’s going on with cristian romero

Romero, 27, is a top-class centre-back but has also been inconsistent and is currently suspended after challenging Casemiro to studs at Old Trafford.

It was a testing period for the defender, who specializes in tough tackling. His elite credentials are unquestionable, but his decision-making and composure are completely debatable.

After the winter transfer window closed, Romero lashed out at the board, accusing them of failing to provide Franck with sufficient first-team ability.

With all this in mind, it feels like the Argentina international may not have many days left in north London, despite what could be a sensational return for Maurico Pochettino. Indeed, there is growing interest from Spain’s elite and these recent developments are sure to prompt Romero to approach his agent to seal a deal.

Ah, that’s right. Although Tudor is available for the coming months, it is important to remember that he is here on an interim basis and that sporting director Johan Lange is looking for permanent employment. Pocci is a top target and the fact that he remains with the USMNT until after the World Cup suggests the storylines could collide before 2026/27.

Even so, Romero’s attitude leaves a lot to be desired, and the argument that he doesn’t deserve to wear the armband is not without merit.

Poch could unearth Spurs’ future captain

Ange Postecoglou appeared as a guest on the Overlap podcast last week and laid out some of his frustrations with Tottenham’s hierarchy.

Indeed, Spurs’ recruitment strategy has failed in recent memory, but the club is building for the future and has some of the most exciting talent in the Premier League.

One of them is Archie Gray, who is only 19 years old but has already made 71 first-team appearances for Tottenham (he was 18 at the time) and has won the Europa League after joining from Leeds United for around £30 million.

Gray is already becoming something of a mainstay for the Lilywhites, playing a central role and embracing the disruption that demands a wide-ranging role.

From centre-back to full-back to central midfielder, the England youth international is weathering an early career storm, but there is no doubt he is tipped for a big future, with analyst Ben Mattinson even claiming he is a “future £100m” footballer.

Tottenham’s young side have faltered at times this season, which has proven to be a problem in the short term, but it is important to remember that the Londoners have more than enough reserves for the future.

Even if Romero leaves for pastures new this summer, a prospect like Gray might just become the club’s long-time captain. Harry Redknapp recently urged the club to strip Romero of the captaincy and give the title to a teenager, calling him a “future Tottenham captain” who would set an example for his so-called seniors.

Even if Romero were sold this summer, Gray would likely be too young and inexperienced to wear the armband next season. But Pochettino’s guidance could be just what he needs to go from strength to strength and cement his place as the club’s leader in the future.

An affable character with a tenacity to match his on-field talent, Gray could be the future captain of a Spurs side that needs to work steadily towards a major turnaround.