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The Premier League season begins in less than a month and the clubs have started to mould their team for the upcoming season. The managers are tinkering with their squads in order to find the perfect balance for their teams as the season draws closer.
Some managers have already found the perfect formula, while some others are still scratching their head wondering what to do next – and Mauricio Pochettino falls amongst the, erm… let’s just say that Spurs’ pre-season results haven’t been all too satisfying, but it wouldn’t be wise to say that Pochettino hasn’t figured his best team out given that Tottenham are yet to sign a single player this season and are basically the same team from last season.
The North London club remain the only club in the Premier League that are yet to sign a player after a month of an open transfer window. With that, we can only assume that the Lilywhites will pretty much play the same team from last season in a 4-2-3-1 formation, which is…
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris might have made some blunders in his career – who hasn’t? – but it is undeniable that the France captain is one of the finest goalkeepers in the game. The former Lyon keeper, who once kept Real Madrid at bay single-handedly over two legs in the Champions League second round in 2010, has been the safe-hands for Tottenham ever since the departure of Brad Friedel and looks set to continue to be so for a long time to come.
When the discussion of the best goalkeepers comes up, the Frenchman's name will rarely pop up. This is more due to the fact that he is underrated more than anything else. Indeed, ever since he has taken up the role of the goal-guardian for Tottenham, they have seen a steady rise in their fortunes.
While a number of factors have played a role in that to happen, Lloris’ consistency and brilliant reading of the game allows his defenders to feel assured and, subsequently, improve the performances of the team. Things won't change anytime soon as Lloris is set to be the starting goalkeeper next season unless something dramatic happens.
Defence
The departure of Kyle Walker has left Tottenham short in the right-back zone, but they already have a replacement in Kieran Trippier. During the end part of last season, the Argentine manager seemed to have preferred the latter more than the former.
Meanwhile, things won’t change much at left-back as Danny Rose is likely to be the starting player when fit. With Walker gone now, Rose’s attacking prowess will be much more demanded as he is likely to be the full-back with more attacking freedom.
There is nothing to discuss on Spurs’ centre-half pairing as it is the best in England and isn’t likely to be tinkered with. Both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have formed an excellent bonding at the heart of the defence. Their cohesion in existence is telepathic and should be the reference point for other defensive pairings.
Midfield
With Manchester United signing Nemanja Matic, it seems almost definite that Eric Dier will stay at the club. If that’s the case, then Spurs’ midfield trio will consist of a youngster whose brains is made of cool sherbet topped with glittery chocolate chips, a chicken-loving Bison in a man’s body and a Belgian waffle-like smooth and silky midfield engine.
In other words: Dele Alli, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele respectively. Yep! I just mentioned Eric Dier pointlessly. Actually, not really. Given that Dembele’s body is made of delicate Chinese porcelain – a thing of art, mind you – it is unlikely that he will stay fit for the entirety of a season, which makes Dier’s presence all the more important.
Nevertheless, when fit, Dembele is the one that will start over him alongside his other two Musketeer pals, Alli and Wanyama. This, like we saw last season, is a very balanced midfield due to the diversity of the players in it – something that allows them to complement better.
Attack
I actually feel very awkward having to name Christian Eriksen here since the Dane is anything but a forward. However, the tactical confinements that have to be maintained for this slideshow forces me to do so.
The former Ajax wonderkid should start on the right, although he drifts into the centre in such a subtle manner that the opposition don’t even realise that a deadly playmaker is working magic through the centre before it is too late.
Partnering him on the opposite flank is Heung-Min Son. Son was somewhat of a revelation last season that helped Spurs win some crucial points with his timely goals. The South Korean will only get better with age and could fully explode next season.
And then there is the Harry Kane. Yes, the Harry Kane. The HurriKane. His conversion from a decent talent to Premier League’s best striker is nothing short of extraordinary. After being dubbed as a one-season wonder, Kane has done it for three seasons in a row and is likely to continue banging them in on a regular basis.
