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Tottenham Hotspur have suffered in the Premier League so far this season but could turn things around in the second half of the campaign. Former manager Nuno Espirito Santo was not the right fit at the N17 and was sacked in November. But current manager Antonio Conte has the credentials to ensure a Top 4 qualification for Spurs.
Tottenham are well placed to seal a Top 4 spot in the Premier League this season
Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have comfortably been the three best teams in the Premier League this term. Their respective positions in the table are evidence of the same.
But a fourth spot is still up for grabs and Spurs could well be within reach of being the team that secures Champions League qualification. However, Manchester United, West Ham United, Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in contention for that spot.
Spurs currently sit in seventh position, four points off fourth-placed West Ham, with three games in hand. However, they will need their big stars to step up in the remaining four months of the season if they are to make the cut.
On that note, let's take a look at five players who could prove key to Tottenham finishing in the Top 4 of the Premier League this season.
#5 Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon had a decent season last term with Tottenham Hotspur but could very well kick on with his career under Antonio Conte this term. The Italian manager is a fan of playing with wing-backs and there are few better than the Spaniard at the moment.
The 25-year-old ace is an excellent crosser of the ball and is a powerful runner. Both of these elements are necessary while playing under Conte and Reguilon has them in abundance. He is also a great set-piece taker and often makes late runs into the box for scoring opportunities.
The left wing-back is also a sound defender and very rarely puts a foot wrong, regardless of the quality of the opponent. So far this season, he has managed one goal and three assists in 19 league appearances. But he can increase these numbers with more minutes in the second half of the campaign.
Reguilon is one of Tottenham's better players and could prove vital in a race to finish in the Top 4 of the Premier League this term.
#4 Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura could not find his feet under Nuno Espirito Santo but has found a lot more freedom under Conte. The Brazilian international has proved really helpful over the last few weeks.
Although the 29-year-old ace is one of the fastest athletes in the Premier League, his creativity has been his main attribute this season. Playing on the right wing, Moura is excelling in a counter-attacking system.
The South American star is brilliant in 1v1 situations and also slips in the right pass at the right time. If Harry Kane had been in better form this season, Moura would have had more than his four assists this term. The attacker also has two Premier League goals but both his statistics could improve once the team starts to gel together again.
Moura is a highly technical player and shall need to make full use of his qualities if Tottenham are to seal a Top 4 spot this season.
#3 Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero was one of Tottenham's best signings in the summer but, like many of their players, he was playing in a restricted system. An injury also ruled him out for a solid two months, with the Argentinian only returning in February.
But now that he is back and available for selection, he can provide the defensive solidity that most Conte-led teams boast about. At 23, Romero is a modern-day, quick-thinking and smart centre-back who excels playing in a back three.
His distribution of the ball is also exquisite as he can easily break lines with his passes and also start counter-attacks through his long balls. The Argentine was also named Serie A's best defender for the 2020-21 season with Atalanta.
The South American star will be hoping to play a more active role in his side's push to secure a Top 4 spot in the next four months. And given Tottenham's position in the Premier League table, they shall need their star defender to rise to the occasion.
#2 Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min has been one of the best wingers in the Premier League over the last five years. The intelligent attacker performed splendidly under former managers Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho. He was also one of the better players under Nuino.
His performances have not dipped under Conte and the counter-attacking style of play suits his abilities as well. The South Korean international is one of the fastest athletes in the Premier League and it has continued to be a problem for most defenders.
The 29-year-old ace is also deadly in front of goal and his ability to shoot with both feet make him a massive threat inside the penalty box. To put his importance into perspective, the winger has contributed to 12 goals in the league this season (9 goals, 3 assists). With Spurs having scored 28 goals in total this term, Son has contributed to 43% of the total tally.
Son is a crucial player for the club and he shall need to show his quality if Tottenham are to seal UCL qualification.
#1 Harry Kane
Harry Kane is the heart and soul of the North London club and it is no surprise that a dip in his form has co-incided with the club's struggles. But under Conte, like many of the players, he has looked far more lively and somebody that is carrying a goal threat.
Perhaps a failed summer transfer move to Manchester City is still weighing on his mind. But the England international needs to move past it as soon as possible. Spurs are in desperate need of a top-quality striker and Kane needs to deliver in the second half of the season.
In the past, he would often drag the club out of tough situations and he needs to do the same again. Five goals and two assists in 21 appearances is not what is expected from someone who won the Premier League Golden Boot last season.
Kane needs to get back to his goal-scoring ways soon if his side are to play in Europe's premier competition next season.
