{"id":43359,"date":"2026-02-16T22:29:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T03:29:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T22:29:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T03:29:13","slug":"poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs\/","title":{"rendered":"Poch could unleash &#8216;future Tottenham captain&#8217; at Spurs"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs\/#whats_going_on_with_cristian_romero\" >what&#8217;s going on with cristian romero<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs\/#Poch_could_unearth_Spurs_future_captain\" >Poch could unearth Spurs&#8217; future captain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-5' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-5'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/poch-could-unleash-future-tottenham-captain-at-spurs\/#Huge_upgrade_for_Tudor_ENIC_could_appoint_%E2%80%98Pochettino_clone_to_Spurs\" >Huge upgrade for Tudor: ENIC could appoint &#8216;Pochettino clone&#8217; to Spurs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Tottenham Hotspur have a number of top players in their first-team squad, but their supporting cast has been lacking for some time.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<p>The spotlight has been on Igor Tudor following last week&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>    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.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-39-s-going-on-with-cristian-romero\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"whats_going_on_with_cristian_romero\"><\/span>\n                        <strong>what&#8217;s going on with cristian romero<\/strong><br \/>\n               <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>    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.<\/p>\n<p>After the winter transfer window closed, Romero lashed out at the board, accusing them of failing to provide Franck with sufficient first-team ability.<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s elite and these recent developments are sure to prompt Romero to approach his agent to seal a deal.<\/p>\n<p>Ah, that&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>    Even so, Romero&#8217;s attitude leaves a lot to be desired, and the argument that he doesn&#8217;t deserve to wear the armband is not without merit.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"poch-could-unearth-spurs-future-captain\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Poch_could_unearth_Spurs_future_captain\"><\/span>\n                        <strong>Poch could unearth Spurs&#8217; future captain<\/strong><br \/>\n               <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ange Postecoglou appeared as a guest on the Overlap podcast last week and laid out some of his frustrations with Tottenham&#8217;s hierarchy.<\/p>\n<p>Indeed, Spurs&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p>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 \u00a330 million.<\/p>\n<p>    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.<\/p>\n<p>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 &#8220;future \u00a3100m&#8221; footballer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-container\">\n<table border=\"1\" cellpadding=\"1\" cellspacing=\"1\" style=\"\" align=\"\" summary=\"\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"3\" scope=\"col\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>Premier League&#8217;s youngest team<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>club<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>squad size<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<th style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>average age<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>chelsea<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>30<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>23.4<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>tottenham<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>28<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>24.8<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>sunderland<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>29<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>24.8<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>man city<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>27<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>25.0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>bournemouth<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p>26<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><strong>25.1<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"3\" style=\"text-align:center\">\n<p><em>Dates via Transfermarkt<\/em><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<p>Tottenham&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>Even if Romero leaves for pastures new this summer, a prospect like Gray might just become the club&#8217;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 &#8220;future Tottenham captain&#8221; who would set an example for his so-called seniors.<\/p>\n<p>    Even if Romero were sold this summer, Gray would likely be too young and inexperienced to wear the armband next season. But Pochettino&#8217;s guidance could be just what he needs to go from strength to strength and cement his place as the club&#8217;s leader in the future.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card  article article-card small  no-badge  active-content                      \" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"spurs-could-appoint-pochettino-clone-iraola-upgrade-on-tudor\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tottenham-manager-igor-tudor-1.jpeg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=140&amp;h=98&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/tottenham-manager-igor-tudor-1.jpeg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=140&amp;h=98&amp;dpr=2\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<p>                    <span data-field=\"label\" class=\"article-card-label\"><label>related<\/label><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-content regular article-block\">\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Huge_upgrade_for_Tudor_ENIC_could_appoint_%E2%80%98Pochettino_clone_to_Spurs\"><\/span>\n<p>\t\t\tHuge upgrade for Tudor: ENIC could appoint &#8216;Pochettino clone&#8217; to Spurs<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h5>\n<p class=\"display-card-excerpt\">Tottenham are looking to replace Thomas Frank permanently at the end of the season. <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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&#8217;s understandable sacking of manager Thomas Frank, but the Croatian is expected to erase any relegation talk that has come up after winning just [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":43360,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[2748,40,1767,2263,342,105,249],"class_list":{"0":"post-43359","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football","8":"tag-captain","9":"tag-football","10":"tag-future","11":"tag-poch","12":"tag-spurs","13":"tag-tottenham","14":"tag-unleash"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43359"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43359\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43360"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43359"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportsdaily.news\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}