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We are already past the halfway mark of the 2018-19 season and by now we tend to know the weakness of every team. Today, we are going to talk about one weak point Tottenham Hotspur has - the midfield.
The Lillywhites lack a genuine midfield general who can hold the game by the scruff of the neck. Spurs lack depth in the midfield and with the departure of Moussa Dembele, they are short on options. Mauricio Pochettino prefers to play in a 4-2-3-1, and he has played Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko in the midfield two.
With Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama out owing to injuries, Spurs are short in the midfield. Barring Winks and Sissoko, no one in the Spurs' squad specialises in playing at the base of the midfield.
If Spurs are to give a title challenge and go further in the Champions League, they need to increase their squad depth, starting with their midfield.
Here are the 3 midfielders Tottenham Hotspur should sign.
#1 Adrien Rabiot
Rabiot currently plays for PSG in Ligue 1. The 23-year-old has been used usually as a central midfielder in a midfield 3 at PSG. The Frenchman plays as a deep-lying playmaker responsible for progressing the ball from defence into attack.
The Frenchman would fit quite seamlessly into a 4-2-3-1 or 3-4-2-1 structure which allows both Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli to remain higher in support of Harry Kane. Rabiot could then play alongside either Moussa Sissoko or Eric Dier in a two-man midfield as Spurs look to maintain their possession-dominant style.
Rabiot is also very solid defensively, which means he could provide solid defensive cover on the transition should either wing-back or full-back get caught out of position after a loss of possession.
The only concern with him is his attitude as shown by his decision to not play for France in the FIFA World Cup, and his fractured relationship with the current PSG boss, Thomas Tuchel. But his contract runs out this summer and a player of his quality on a free could very well turn out to be a bargain for Spurs.
#2 Tanguy Ndombele
Ndombele currently plays for Lyon in Ligue 1. The midfielder is of incredible physical stature and has incredible dribbling ability, akin to ex-Spurs midfield maestro Moussa Dembele. His raw power, directness and brilliant dribbling skills make him look similar to Paul Pogba. But Ndombele is defensively much more astute.
His ability to break the play, his interceptions and distribution of the ball make him vital for Lyon. Ndombele could fit easily into this Spurs side playing in a midfield two or three. He is definitely able to play in a midfield three, playing as a deep-lying midfielder, and dictating the tempo of the game.
The only concern with him is whether he will be able to make a step up from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. Ndombele has been linked to many clubs and he may not come cheaply for the Lillywhites.
#3 Wilfred Ndidi
Ndidi currently plays for Leicester in the Premier League. Ndidi was tasked to fill in the boots of N'Golo Kante, which is one hell of a job. This was a huge task for the 21-year-old and he managed to impress as he became a vital cog in Claude Puel's side, forcing Leicester to extend his contract in the summer of 2017, keeping him at the King Power for 6 more seasons.
The midfielder's break up play has been essential for Leicester's game-plan. Ndidi's ability to be at the right place at the right time makes him brilliant defensively. His timely interceptions and blocks protect Leicester's back four.
Wilfred is capable of playing in a midfield two and a midfield three, sitting deep and dictating the proceedings. He can allow Spurs' attackers to express themselves higher up the field. The only concern with him is that sometimes his distribution with the ball isn't always up to the mark, but he is still very young, Ndidi could prove to be a very astute signing for Tottenham.
