Tottenham legend points out the type of captain that could harm the club

Romero's future opens up the race for captain at Tottenham, but Toby Alderweireld warns Spurs against handing the armband to someone who just shows off authority.

Tottenham legend Toby Alderweireld sends a sharp message to Spurs as the captain's armband may change hands: don't choose someone who only plays the leader role in front of the cameras.

The future of Cristian Romero is a hot topic in North London. The 28-year-old center-back is attracting interest from Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid, and Tottenham is reportedly open to offers. If the Argentine international leaves after five seasons and 156 appearances for Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi's side will need to find a successor for the captain who was given the armband at the start of the 2025/26 season.

Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, and Dejan Kulusevski are all being mentioned. However, Alderweireld believes the primary criterion is not fame or the ability to shout, but commitment to the club.

“Micky van de Ven seems like a good lad, and that's important. But the captain must be someone who wants to stay at Tottenham Hotspur. He needs to show clearly that he will commit for the next few years, showing everyone that he is trustworthy. Tottenham doesn't need a captain who is thinking about leaving in the back of his mind.”

That statement sounds more like a warning than a recommendation. After two consecutive seasons finishing 17th in the Premier League, Spurs not only need someone to wear the armband but also a stable anchor to pull the dressing room out of turmoil. The former Tottenham center-back also criticized the kind of captain who puts on a show — those who constantly wave their arms, shout, and point to prove they are leading.

“For me, the captain must be a player you can rely on for performance. They always deliver a seven or eight out of ten, not a three or four. How can someone tell teammates what to do when they themselves are playing poorly?”

Alderweireld emphasizes that the leader must maintain form, understand teammates, and be there for them when they struggle, even off the pitch. His experience as captain of Royal Antwerp and as part of Tottenham's leadership group for many years has taught him that true value lies not in volume, but in the ability to sense the collective.

“Being captain is not just about shouting and trying to show everyone how busy you are. You have to play well and help your teammates, even when the cameras are off. It's when you're not in front of the lens that you truly prove you're a good captain.”

Tottenham now faces a choice bigger than just giving the armband to Van de Ven, Maddison, or Kulusevski. The chosen one must become a leader in the shadows — and must want to move forward with Spurs.