Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur ideal XI for 2019/20

Pochettino will be worried about the availability of players in full-back positions this season
Pochettino will be worried about the availability of players in full-back positions this season

It's a cliche to describe a well functioning attack as fluid, but if there is one that comes close to the organised chaos of a fluid attack in the Premier League, it's Mauricio Pochettino's Tottenham Hotspur.

Harry Kane has been their primary source of goals for most of Pochettino's tenure at Spurs, while Christian Eriksen has served as provider-in-chief.

The likes of Dele Alli, Erik Lamela, Lucas Moura, and Son Heung-min have chipped in with goals and assists over the years as well in a system that allows all of them plenty of opportunities to have a crack at bulking up their tallies.

Spurs have also largely remained a constant team over the last two seasons because they've been on a "transfer fast" for the last two windows.

The windows before those two, also, would be best described as prudent and measured. This summer, Spurs have moved quickly to sign Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon, Giovani Lo Celso, and Jack Clarke who has been loaned back to Leeds for the season.

The exit of Kieran Trippier and the near departure of Danny Rose raised questions over Tottenham's depth at full-back positions.

Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen's future at the club briefly hung in the balance this summer as the Dane reportedly is angled for a move to Real Madrid.

Spurs could use multiple shapes with a similar philosophy
Spurs could use multiple shapes with a similar philosophy

Given the amount of flux in this side, one formation doesn't do it justice. It's a flexible side that can function well and has done so, using multiple combinations throughout the season.

While the shape may differ, the philosophy of the side is rooted in a compact shape that moves together, quick passing in the middle, and a high line combined with a high press.


Goalkeeper

Barring any injuries to Lloris, he should find himself the primary choice in goal for most of the season
Barring any injuries to Lloris, he should find himself the primary choice in goal for most of the season

France's World Cup-winning goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has been a leader of this Tottenham side.

He had 12 clean sheets last season for Spurs, and is unlikely to be unseated by Gazzaniga this season, although we are likely to see the Argentine shot-stopper in action during cup games.

Lloris has adapted his game to play more with the ball at his feet in recent years and is prone to an error or two, but overall is a solid custodian in whom Pochettino has laid his faith.

Defenders

Vertonghen and Alderweireld could recreate the solid partnership they had, but Sanchez is likely to see his share of action as well
Vertonghen and Alderweireld could recreate the solid partnership they had, but Sanchez is likely to see his share of action as well

Regardless of whether Spurs play with a back four or back three (back five), they have some solid centre-backs to rely on.

Sanchez and Vertonghen may be the starting pair in a back four for them this season. Alderweireld has been a strong partner for Vertonghen in the past, but seems unsettled this summer and was linked with a move away early on this season. He could yet play a major role in Spurs' backline, but Sanchez and Vertonghen could be the ones starting the season.

A back three could see all three of them start together and it also allows them the flexibility to switch to a back four mid-game, with Vertonghen playing at left-back. Eric Dier is another variable to consider in a three-man backline. The English international has been deployed both in midfield and at the back by Pochettino, most commonly in a back three, again, providing an easy way to change systems in the game.

Juan Foyth may have been in line for a breakthrough season at Spurs alternating between the centre-back position and an option at right-back, however, the pre-season injury has put him out of the running for most of the season. This could see youngster, Kyle Walker-Peters take precedence in the right-back position.

Spurs have also signed Fulham's Ryan Sessegnon which will be interesting, to see how Spurs function with three left-backs in Danny Rose, Ben Davies, and Sessegnon.

Rose will be expected to be the starting left-back, but a question mark still hangs over right-back and we'll have to wait and see if Pochettino will deploy one of the other two options in a right-back position or persist with Walker-Peters.

Midfielders

Eriksen will be a major creative force in the final third for Tottenham
Eriksen will be a major creative force in the final third for Tottenham

It's difficult to predict a nailed down midfield for this Spurs side with the amount of talent they have in this area. Spurs have added to that with Ndombele and Lo Celso giving Pochettino some incredibly difficult decisions to make.

Among the current personnel, Ndombele and Winks would be starters in most midfield combinations, although it will most likely be a double pivot of the two. With Wanyama and Dier set to miss the start of the season with injuries, Moussa Sissoko and 19-year-old Oliver Skipp could be set to rotate with them.

When Pochettino switches to a single midfielder at the base of a diamond, Winks and Sissoko who have both played the role before will most likely be top candidates. Although, Winks would currently be favourite to start there. Ndombele could play there as well, however, his qualities would be more suited in a slightly advanced role.

With Christian Eriksen set to stay at Tottenham for another season, he will most likely start in the advanced midfield role just behind the striker (or strikers) in the system.

Although, this being a constant position in most shapes for Spurs, depending on the kind of role required of the player, Eriksen could drop deeper as a right-sided central midfield player and allow the likes of Lamela, Son, or Moura to form an attacking trio with the strikers.

In wider positions, Son Heung-min and Lamela would be obvious options, but Ryan Sessegnon has shown that he can play an advanced role as well putting him in contention if Spurs are looking for a more traditional, crossing winger.

Moura and Eriksen have also played in similar positions and may have to fill in there occasionally, but fully expect Lamela to play a more pronounced role with the squad this time around.

Forwards

Kane, Lamela, and Son will all be involved in Spurs' attack this season
Kane, Lamela, and Son will all be involved in Spurs' attack this season

In terms of genuine No. 9s, Spurs probably have one of the best in the world in Harry Kane. He's proven himself at the top level to be a competent and consistent goalscorer and will continue to lead the line for Spurs when he's fit.

Inline among the youngsters is Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott. At just 17 years of age, he has emerged as somewhat of a coup for Spurs as they managed to bring in the youngster who's being seen as the next big player for Irish football.

Pochettino is renowned for bringing youngsters through the ranks and could give Parrott his first few senior appearances for the North Londoners this season as well.

Lucas Moura and Son Heung-min will also be genuine contenders to play striker given their proficiency in the attack last season especially when Kane was missing due to injury.

If Pochettino can find a way to squeeze all three attackers in the line-up, they could form a fearsome attacking trio that would be difficult to defend against.

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