VDV Assistant Captain?

[coldasice199]

If Ledley is not playing, maybe we should make VDV our captain in a few months time. He's had that role from a teenager and it didn't take him long to do it at Hamburg. He obviously has good natrual qualities for it.

What impresses me a lot about him is how he dictates the play with his hands and body to indicate where the ball should be played to. I think he could be our talismanic captain that we've wanted for eons. I always loved VDV. but he's better than I even expected. I guess because I didn't really see him play at Hamburg I forgot just how special a talent he was.

 

[Spurger King]

I like the idea of allocating players office job-style positions. Would an assistant captain have to carry the coin to be tossed, and take minutes of morale boosting words of encouragement before passing them on?

Seriously though, I think that you make a good point, especially in pointing out that any player getting the captain's armband should only have it if King is out. I've heard people say that King is not media friendly, or not that vocal, but for me he is the heart and soul of this current Spurs team. Not only has he been here for years, but he is (in my opinion) the best player in our squad when fit, and one of the very best players this team has ever had. If he plays, he should wear the captain's armband.

Van der Vaart getting the armband when King isn't playing is a bit more complex. The main opposition to this could be his brief time at the club, and the possibility of stepping on the toes of other players. However, Gallas was considered by Redknapp, so length of service doesn't appear to be an issue.

Personally I'd prefer it if Harry gave him a few more games...allowed the squad to get to know him better and feel more comfortable with his status and attitude, then give him the vice-captaincy. He's shown more visible passion and commitment on the pitch than most of our squad over recent months, with the exception of Dawson (who is the only other player that comes close to being genuine 'captain'material).

 

[guate]

Assistant captain ? At the way VDV's playing he should become Chairman of the Board in no time.

 

[rsmith]

Big thumbs up from me. The key is does he have the respect of his team-mates. In players like Ledders that respect was earned over the years of service to the club and his quiet inspiration. I strongly suspect that VdV has earned that same respect almost overnight based on his leadership on the pitch and his CV.

Apart from anything else, he's probably the only 100% guaranteed starter. If Sandro comes good (please), I can see Thudd being sacrificed in a 442

 

[spurs_viola]

I said it after the Twente game already - Van der Vaart does look like captain material and should be ready to take up the role pretty soon as he settles in more and more.
Has good enough command of English and has enough respect from his teammates now - hopefully even Bale (is he perhaps a little jealous of VDV stealing the limelight from him a bit? ).

And perhaps the captain's armband may stop him from making some of the silly, unnecessary tackles too.

VDV can influence the game much more from his position in the middle than a defender (King) or a forward (Keane), imo.

 

[whitelightwhiteheat]

VDV offers obvious leadership qualities that other potential candidates (Huddlestone) don't at the time of writing. So it's a big yes from me.

As rsmith says - he almost demands respect from his team mate's due to his performances on the field and what he's done in the game previously.

I'd rather VDV than Gallas when push comes to shove!

 

[Chimbo!]

lets not get carried away. let him just play football. king and dawson are the leaders.

 

[whitelightwhiteheat]

King yes, Daws maybe. VDV captained Ajax at a young age. You don't do that unless you're special.

 

[double0]

Happy with Huddlestone actually. So happy Arry's put his trust in him.

 

[WhiteHart4Ever]

If Ledley is not playing, maybe we should make VDV our captain in a few months time. He's had that role from a teenager and it didn't take him long to do it at Hamburg. He obviously has good natrual qualities for it.

What impresses me a lot about him is how he dictates the play with his hands and body to indicate where the ball should be played to. I think he could be our talismanic captain that we've wanted for eons. I always loved VDV. but he's better than I even expected. I guess because I didn't really see him play at Hamburg I forgot just how special a talent he was.

Ready to replace the missus aswell? He's quite qute VdV, I'd say his face is like deer face :grin:

Clubs dont just change captains every other month (we're getting close I agree, considering the two preferred alternatives (King/Keane) either cant or are not allowed to play), and we've got King, Dawson as very natural and highly respected leaders with Huddlestone as a natural under-study in the captain role. Neither have done anything to deserve losing the armband. But I guess apart from those he'd be close to next in line, so we're not likely to see Bassong ahead of him If he stays for long I guess in time he can be captain..

 

[markiespurs]

Happy with Huddlestone actually. So happy Arry's put his trust in him.

This^^

Being Captain is a role that Huddlestones going to get better in. Thudds still young and learning, giving him some experiance now as Captain can only benifit us in the future.

Players like VDV and Gallas don't need the armband anyway to be leaders on the pitch, having the armband though will bring out Huddlestones leadership qualities and improve his allround game.

 

[TwoSaintsComeMarching]

For me its King > Dawson > Huddlestone > VDV

 

[Maske2g]

"Assistant captain" Is this championship manager talk?

 

[ShelfSide18]

Yes he has made a mighty impressive start, shown a fantastic attitude and shown genuine warmth to our fans but... he's only been here a few weeks and I'd like to see if he maintains this attitude and hard work when the honeymoon period is over. I just hope he keeps it up, then I think we can talk about captaincy.

 

[sloth]

I think assistant captain is a meaningless position.

The only problem with Huddlestone as Captain is that he's not quite at the level (yet) of a top three team. He may get there, but he may not and if you make someone captain it's that much harder to drop them. I don't think Huddlestone has earned the right to be a ever-present and in fact i think one of the reason Harry's playing him every game is because he hopes that it's the way he'll eventually live up to his potential.

I hope he does, but I'm realistic enough to know he might not.

VdV for Captain.

 

[Midostouch]

I think he'd make a great captain - especially as he knows how to involve the older members of the crowd.:grin: But Ledley is the captain, and is 'Mr Tottenham'. I'm sure we'll see VDV with the armband for the odd game but I would like him to just continue inspiring the lads in the way he is currently - by his enthusiasm and talent.

It's probably been mentioned elsewhere, but I was reading about him today and saw that he was raised in a caravan park. What a wonderful role model to show that you can start life in difficult circumstances and make good. He strikes me as not just being a wonderful player and stunning looking - but also intelligent and charming. :razz:

 

[Bus-Conductor]

I think assistant captain is a meaningless position.

The only problem with Huddlestone as Captain is that he's not quite at the level (yet) of a top three team. He may get there, but he may not and if you make someone captain it's that much harder to drop them. I don't think Huddlestone has earned the right to be a ever-present and in fact i think one of the reason Harry's playing him every game is because he hopes that it's the way he'll eventually live up to his potential.

I hope he does, but I'm realistic enough to know he might not.

VdV for Captain.

Came in to say the same really.
For me he looks more like a leader than anyone else I've seen in a spurs shirt since the last dutchman we had. He's already one of the guaranteed starters, has played for huge teams and captained one of the best international sides in world football (and anyone that can skipper the dutch deserves a medal).

I'd make VDV skipper tomorrow.

 

[tommo84]

I'd rather he just be allowed to keep playing the way he is. No need to give him the added responsibility, especially when there are others in the squad who I think rise to it when they are gioven the armband (esp Daws).

 

[t79boy]

I don't know effective assistant captains are. So it's either captain or nothing. There are 2 other players at spurs who fit this role or did
1. Keane, shame he isn't our beloved keano of ol so that's him out
2. Dawson, mister 110% is prime candidate, only concern is his age. Future captain for sure

Van de man ideal choice but is it wise to make the new guy the captain? Does he have the whole teams respect yet ?

 

[Luka Lennon]

VDV is captain material through and through. Would easily be the best captain we've had since Mabbutt.