Tottenham Hotspur fans are now saying the same thing about Spurs’ next captain after the announcement of Sandro Tonali, but it isn’t the Italian.
Preparation for the 26/27 season is expected to heat up in the coming days with first-team training at Tottenham Hotspur scheduled to begin on 10 July.
Spurs have already been active in the transfer market, securing new signings, many of whom will be involved in pre-season preparations as the club looks to improve on last season’s Premier League campaign.
With arrivals and departures reshaping the squad in north London, there is an expectation that further changes could follow as the transfer window progresses.
Tottenham fans believe James Maddison could be De Zerbi’s captain
The captaincy at Spurs could well be set for a shake-up as the club continues its rebuild this summer. The current leadership group was chosen under Thomas Frank, but with Roberto De Zerbi preparing for his first full season in charge, there is every reason to believe the Italian may look to make adjustments.
Many Tottenham supporters now believe they have spotted a clear hint towards one player stepping into an even greater leadership role.
James Maddison, who sent a 144-word message to Sandro Tonali following his arrival, is being tipped by fans as the man likely to wear the armband.
Social media was flooded with similar reactions. One fan wrote in reacting to Maddison’s message to Tonali: “This better be soft launching Maddison captaincy.”
Another added: “Surely this confirms Maddison as captain now.” A third simply commented: “Captain Maddison.” Another supporter declared with certainty: “Madders will be Spurs’ captain! Mark my words. 👏🏼”
One fan even suggested a dual role: “Maddison and Tonali captains next season. 🙏🏾🤍” The speculation continued: “Definitely hinting at Madders being captain next season and I love it,” while another concluded: “Maddison next season’s captain. Who says NO.”
Maddison speaks like a leader as he welcomes Tonali to Spurs
Maddison’s message to Tonali carried the tone of a leader, speaking about what it means to be truly part of the Spurs family.
His words, shared on social media and reported by Tottenham’s official channels, gave fans a glimpse of the midfielder’s captain-like presence.
He spoke about the responsibility of representing the club, the connection with supporters, and the pride that comes with being fully committed to “COYS”.
Welcoming Tonali to north London, Maddison said: “Must be a big signing. Sandro, welcome to Tottenham, mate. When I joined, the first place I went was the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, just to feel it.
“The fans pulled me in straight away and I know they’ll do the same for you. They’ll see it in the way you play, the bite, the courage and the way you step up in the middle of the pitch.
“It’s going to be a nice feeling being on the receiving end of your passes instead of your tackles. People say that the supporters are there for the good and the bad, but trust me, mate, I’ve seen it and I’ve felt it.
“You’ll hear them, you’ll see them every single week without fail. Welcome to the Spurs family. It’s a responsibility, it’s a privilege and more than that it’s an honour. This is yours now too.”