Why Tottenham could be the side to challenge Manchester City's EPL dominance

#3 Pochettino might have some hidden aces up his sleeve

The return of Harry Winks will help to strengthen Tottenham's squad

The idea that a player returning from injury is “like a new signing” is usually derided as a poor cliché, but in the case of a handful of Tottenham players this season, it might actually ring true.

Brazilian winger Lucas Moura, Argentine attacker Erik Lamela and young England midfielder Harry Winks all struggled with injuries and fitness issues last season, but all three are making their returns in 2018/19 – with Lucas and Lamela already having an impact in Spurs’ first two league victories.

The addition of the trio means Tottenham’s squad is instantly stronger than it was at the end of 2017/18. The bigger picture though could suggest that Mauricio Pochettino may have more hidden aces up his sleeve than some fans believe.

Since his arrival at Tottenham in 2014/15, arguably no other Premier League manager has developed young talent quite as well as the Argentine, with Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Kieran Trippier all benefiting massively under his coaching regime. And 2018/19 could be the season that the next wave of talent breaks through.

Youngsters like Kyle Walker-Peters and Juan Foyth have already made some appearances for the first team, but Spurs’ pre-season also suggested bright futures for the likes of Oliver Skipp, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Luke Amos – all of whom have been named in Tottenham’s Premier League squad.

Whether any of those five can develop like Kane, Alli or Dier is still a question mark, but if any manager can get the best from his young talent, it is Pochettino. And if some of the youngsters can kick on and strengthen Spurs’ squad, their title challenge will only become stronger in turn.