Spurs expert John Wenham has questioned Roberto De Zerbi’s reported decision to appoint James Maddison as Tottenham’s new club captain.
Tottenham Hotspur head coach Roberto De Zerbi has been urged to reconsider his decision to name James Maddison as the club’s new captain.
Spurs expert and The Lilywhite Rose owner John Wenham has voiced serious reservations regarding reports claiming the 29-year-old midfielder is set to inherit the armband on a permanent basis. With current captain Cristian Romero expected to depart amidst revived transfer interest from Atletico Madrid, De Zerbi is seeking a new dressing room leader to anchor his project in North London.
A primary factor behind the pushback against Maddison’s appointment stems from his ongoing availability issues. Maddison experienced a heavily disrupted campaign last year, making just three appearances for a total of 34 to 71 minutes of playing time due to recurring injuries.
Furthermore, the playmaker is yet to start or feature in any of Tottenham’s pre-season matches under De Zerbi. Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Wenham emphasized that a club captain must be present on the pitch consistently to guide the team through difficult periods, making Maddison’s lack of pre-season minutes a significant red flag.
“Maddison is yet to start or feature at all in a pre-season game so there is the issue of how much he is actually going to be on the pitch.”
Beyond physical fitness, questions have been raised regarding the psychological suitability of retaining leaders from recent disappointing domestic campaigns. Tottenham endured consecutive 17th-place Premier League finishes, and critics argue that a complete refresh of the senior leadership core is required to reset standards across the club.
Wenham argued that players who were central figures in the leadership group during those campaigns should not be tasked with leading De Zerbi’s new-look side. With De Zerbi implementing a distinct tactical system, establishing fresh authority in the dressing room is seen as essential for restoring competitiveness.
New Summer Signings Offered as Alternative Captains
Instead of promoting from within the existing leadership group, suggestions have emerged advocating for one of Tottenham’s summer arrivals to be handed the responsibility. Spurs have added experienced figures to their squad during the current transfer window, offering De Zerbi several alternative options.
High-profile additions such as Jan Paul van Hecke, Andrew Robertson, and Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali have all been highlighted as natural leaders capable of setting a new standard. Tonali in particular has been tipped as a candidate who fits De Zerbi’s tactical vision and possesses the durability required to lead Tottenham into the upcoming Premier League season.