Andy Gray says Tottenham should follow Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s captain choice

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Andy Gray has told this week’s BeIN Sports podcast that Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino should follow Arsenal boss Unai Emery’s captain choice and appoint Harry Kane as captain of Spurs.

Emery has been forced to change his captain, after midfielder Granit Xhaka cupped his ear and seemingly swore at Arsenal fans when being jeered against Crystal Palace by his own fans at The Emirates.

Emery, who is under fire himself, has dropped Xhaka for the last two games even after the midfielder explained his actions in a statement. It is believed Xhaka could leave in January, and has since been replaced as skipper by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Xhaka was appointed by a players’ vote, but Emery has opted to appoint Aubameyang himself. Gray believes that strikers can be good captains – referencing Alan Shearer – and believes Tottenham should follow suit by making Kane captain.

“It depends on the make up of the professional,” Gray said, when asked if a striker can be a captain. “Alan Shearer will tell you strikers make great captains. You need to be a big personality. Aubameyang is a massive personality.

“It is the type of something he will enjoy and because he is the big man. For that reason, that is why I would make Harry Kane captain at Tottenham. Who is my best player? Harry Kane. Who sets the best examples? Harry Kane. Make him captain.”

TBR’s view – Kane is Mr. Tottenham, and captaincy makes sense

Indeed, Kane is certainly Spurs’ best player and has plenty of experience being captain. He is Spurs’ vice captain, and has been given the role of England skipper over the past couple of seasons.

Lloris, meanwhile, is unlikely to remain Tottenham’s next goalkeeper beyond the summer. Spurs are being linked with Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Mauricio Pochettino needs a captain on the pitch at all times.

The signing of a new goalkeeper – possibly Onana – would see Lloris lose his place and Kane needs to fill the void of being captain.