10 reasons why Tottenham Hotspur are Champions League contenders this season

#5 Creative talent

Spurs' creative trio

In behind Harry Kane however, Tottenham have a plethora of creative talent waiting to put goals on a plate for the big man up top and often chip in with a few themselves now and then. One of these talents is youngster Dele Alli. The 21-year old has been in the Spurs team since his late teenage years and has been a sensation having 'only cost 5 mill' as the famous chant goes.

He was named Young Player of the Year in the Premier League last season and despite a small reduction in goals this season, Dele is still capable of creating something from nothing any time he receives the ball and can definitely chip in with a goal or two as he showed through his 2-goal performance against Real Madrid at Wembley. His youth certainly doesn't hinder him when it comes to big matches and he will be an important factor if Spurs can progress.

Someone who has seen a notable improvement this season is South Korean trickster Heung-Min Son. 'Sonny' has been on fire this season, particularly at Wembley where he was on a 5-game scoring streak which ended against United.

Nevertheless, he has been an amazing creative and attacking force, giving some width to the attack and taking on players directly, something which Alli and Eriksen struggle to do. Son grabbed Tottenham's first goal of this season's Champions League within 4 minutes against Dortmund and he will likely be important in their final game of this seasons campaign.

Last but not least of the regular starters is Christian Eriksen. The young Dane is a world-class technical player, who has been a keystone in the Spurs' side since he was signed post-Gareth Bale. His creative flair has been praised time and time again and the set-piece maestro will be key to Tottenham's chances of success.

He scored against Real Madrid in the group stage win and has grabbed 7 goals in this campaign to date in the league. Furthermore, he arguably has the most Champions League experience of anyone in the Spurs squad due to several group stage campaigns at Ajax as a youngster. Eriksen will be able to add quality technique to a pacey and creative attacking force and will be important for Spurs chances.

Away from the current starting three, Spurs have long-term hip injury recoveree, Erik Lamela and new signing, Lucas Moura. These two offer further width and pace to Spurs' attack to support the fullbacks and allow different systems and tactics to be played.

Lucas Moura put in a man of the match performance in last year's Champions League against Arsenal in a PSG victory, so he is no stranger to the competition or English opponents.

Lamela also had the experience previously at Roma, although this was limited and a few years ago now, but Tottenham have a full roster of Champions League quality talent and this will be invaluable as they approach the latter stages.

#6 Defensive solidity

The Belgian centre-back duo

Tottenham's recent revival has in no small part been due to their defensive stability with Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen providing a strong partnership over the past seasons.

The combination of Alderweireld's world-class passing range and Vertonghen sturdy, conventional defensive ability has allowed Tottenham to gain point's where previously their poor defence under the likes of Vedran Corluka and an ageing Michael Dawson.

This season, however, the centre back position has been boosted by 21-year old Davinson Sanchez. The £42 million record signing has added blistering pace to the position allowing him to rectify mistakes more than Vertonghen or Alderweireld could.

However, his young nature means these mistakes are all the more prevalent, costing Spurs in the 1-1 draw with West Brom this season.

Nevertheless, Spurs are stronger defensively than ever before and this will be crucial when coming up against the likes of Mbappe, Cavani and Neymar or Higuain and Dybala more appropriately at the minute.