De Zerbi confirms Van de Ven as new Tottenham captain ahead of Brentford clash

It’s an all-London clash at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening as Spurs go head to head with Brentford in their first Premier League test this season. 

The Bees have not beaten Tottenham since Thomas Frank was in charge of the side whilst Spurs are one of two teams whom Brentford have failed to beat at home since returning to the big time in 2021. 

Van de Ven announced as new captain

Brentford finished ninth last season whilst Spurs clung on to 17th for the second term in a row.

Both teams will be hoping for a better showing this season as De Zerbi first spoke about who Tottenham's new captain will be following the departure of Cristian Romero.

“The new captain is Micky van de Ven. Second is Pedro Porro, third Ben Davies, fourth James Maddison and fifth Archie Gray.

"Why five? Because I want as many captains inside the pitch and to be clear in the situation and the position. Every one of them deserves to be captain or in the group of captains."

Team news

Despite the Dutchman being revealed as captain, De Zerbi admitted that he will miss tomorrow's game alongside one other crucial defender.

"Micky van de Ven is not on the list tomorrow, like (vice captain) Pedro Porro. 

"The other players are all inside. James Maddison is inside. Dominic Solanke is inside. Destiny Udogie is inside. 

"Mateus Fernandes is inside. Pape Matar Sarr, no. He felt pain today. Hamstring or glute, I think. Nothing important, but we don't take risks with him, especially at this moment." 

De Zerbi speaks on transfer rumours

As fans welcome in the new captain, attention is still on the transfer market. Tottenham broke their transfer record twice in the space of a few days on £185m midfield duo Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali.

The club are also set to sign Manchester City's Savinho this week whilst also being linked with Liverpool's Cody Gakpo and City star Omar Marmoush.

Addressing the transfer links, the Italian coach remained coy despite reports suggesting Savinho could be announced in the next 24 hours.

"It's not right to speak about players until they are official. Just to say I'm very happy. We have not finished yet in the transfer market. It's an important part.

"So far, we have had great signings, great players, great behaviour, great spirit and great personality.

"You know better than me in the Premier League you don't win games with names and big players. There are a lot of examples in the last years in the Premier League.

"You have to deserve to win the game. To deserve to win the game, we have to reach the right level in character, intention and value and in the style of play as well."