Brief

Tottenham legend backs Micky van de Ven as new captain

Former Spurs skipper Gary Lineker said the Dutch defender is the right choice to lead the side.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:06:05 GMT

Tottenham Hotspur have named 25‑year‑old Dutch defender Micky van de Ven as club captain, a decision confirmed by head coach Roberto De Zerbi during the summer overhaul. Former Spurs captain Gary Lineker praised the appointment, saying van de Ven is a "fantastic player" who can "make the players around him better" and lead by example.

Lineker made the comments at the unveiling of the club's Hall of Fame installation at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He added that van de Ven's ability to recover and "put fires out" has been evident over recent seasons and that the young captain is growing into the role.

Van de Ven, who signed a new contract alongside World Cup winner Pedro Porro, replaces former skipper Ledley King, who captained the side from 2005 to 2012. The appointment comes as Spurs sit bottom of the Premier League after five winless games despite a £300 million summer spend.

Key facts

• Micky van de Ven was appointed Tottenham captain in the summer. (standard.co.uk)
• Gary Lineker praised van de Ven's leadership qualities. (standard.co.uk)
• Tottenham have spent over £300 million this summer but remain winless after five games. (standard.co.uk)

Sources

• [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Tottenham legend reveals verdict on huge De Zerbi decision after horror start”