This thread is a condensed version of an article of the same title that went out last week. (May be slightly outdated)
You can read the full article on the recently created Lilywhite Lab Medium site now.
You can read the full article on the recently created Lilywhite Lab Medium site now.
First, we will assess how Spurs' squad playing time last season compares to some Europe’s best to determine the optimal squad size.
In the 22/23 PL season #Spurs had 22 players who made over 10 league apps + 17 players who saw more regular game time, posting over 1000 minutes.
In the 22/23 PL season #Spurs had 22 players who made over 10 league apps + 17 players who saw more regular game time, posting over 1000 minutes.
Goalkeeper is sorted. Guglielmo Vicario is in + Hugo Lloris feels the most likely to depart next.
In Fraser Forster #THFC have a capable deputy whilst Brandon Austin seems to be preferred over Alfie Whiteman, meaning the latter could leave either on loan or in a permanent deal.
In Fraser Forster #THFC have a capable deputy whilst Brandon Austin seems to be preferred over Alfie Whiteman, meaning the latter could leave either on loan or in a permanent deal.
Most of Europe’s best sides saw their best CB (#1) start ~35 league games/3000 minutes + the second CB (#2) start ~30 matches/between 2500-3000 minutes.
The third choice (#3) starts around 10 games/1000 minutes + the fourth choice (#4) should be younger + play max 500 minutes.
The third choice (#3) starts around 10 games/1000 minutes + the fourth choice (#4) should be younger + play max 500 minutes.
So how does this blueprint translate to Spurs? Cuti Romero would likely be #1 with the new left sided CB (VDV) #2.
Eric Dier, whose contract expires in 2024, would likely be #3 meaning rumoured targets Tosin Adarabioyo + Ash Phillips or the promising Dorrington would be #4.
Eric Dier, whose contract expires in 2024, would likely be #3 meaning rumoured targets Tosin Adarabioyo + Ash Phillips or the promising Dorrington would be #4.
Were Spurs to purchase a second CB this window, Tanganga would be made available for a loan or a permanent transfer as would the surplus Rodon + Sanchez.
Spurs will have to take losses on both with a reduced fee to appeal to EFL sides the only likely way to sell Rodon.
Spurs will have to take losses on both with a reduced fee to appeal to EFL sides the only likely way to sell Rodon.
Ben Davies's experience + versatility is valuable, Destiny Udogie looks set for a big season leaving Sergio Reguilón who has garnered interest which Spurs should capitalise on.
Ryan Sessegnon's injury woes are likely a red flag for clubs, but he's still promising so may stay.
Ryan Sessegnon's injury woes are likely a red flag for clubs, but he's still promising so may stay.
Emerson Royal looks confident + has shown effectiveness in several roles most recently impressing as an inverted fullback.
Pedro Porro is exciting + provides great competition at RB + RW leaving Djed Spence who is still raw + badly in need of loan this season, ideally in the PL.
Pedro Porro is exciting + provides great competition at RB + RW leaving Djed Spence who is still raw + badly in need of loan this season, ideally in the PL.
The midfield is an area that sees more regular rotation so having two options for each of the three midfield positions feels smart.
Yves Bissouma is a man reborn. He has become one of the biggest characters in the Spurs squad + feels a sure starter as the anchoring midfielder.
Yves Bissouma is a man reborn. He has become one of the biggest characters in the Spurs squad + feels a sure starter as the anchoring midfielder.
Rodrigo Bentancur was perhaps Spurs’ best player last season up until his season ending injury. If the Uruguayan can re-find that form he can be a key starter upon his return.
Meanwhile James Maddison is a welcomed addition to a squad crying out for the creativity he will bring.
Meanwhile James Maddison is a welcomed addition to a squad crying out for the creativity he will bring.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has split opinion since joining in 2020.
Personally, I think he is widely underrated, but with two years left on his deal, it feels like the right time to sell.
Plus, with the midfield already saturated I don’t think Spurs should look to replace him.
Personally, I think he is widely underrated, but with two years left on his deal, it feels like the right time to sell.
Plus, with the midfield already saturated I don’t think Spurs should look to replace him.
Oliver Skipp, like it or not, is going nowhere.
He is still young + will be a decent rotation option in either the 6 or 8 role.
Gio Lo Celso has already shown his suitability to the advanced 8 role in pre-season. Spurs would be foolish to sell for less than £40m, if at all.
He is still young + will be a decent rotation option in either the 6 or 8 role.
Gio Lo Celso has already shown his suitability to the advanced 8 role in pre-season. Spurs would be foolish to sell for less than £40m, if at all.
Tanguy Ndombele is unquestionably talented, but his fitness is an issue, especially with the intensity that is integral to Postecoglou’s philosophy.
He was left out of all tour games due to injury. His availability paired with his mammoth wages, means I think Spurs should sell.
He was left out of all tour games due to injury. His availability paired with his mammoth wages, means I think Spurs should sell.
In Pape Matar Sarr + Alfie Devine Spurs have two future stars both capable of playing various midfield roles.
Sarr is more experienced + ready to be relied upon, having already impressed in the CL.
I think Devine would benefit more from a season on loan, as would Harvey White.
Sarr is more experienced + ready to be relied upon, having already impressed in the CL.
I think Devine would benefit more from a season on loan, as would Harvey White.
At the time of writing Spurs' front line feels complete. On their day Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane + Heung-Min Son is one of the most formidable front threes in world football.
Then, in Bryan Gil, Richarlison + Solomon, Spurs have three players all able to impact the game.
Then, in Bryan Gil, Richarlison + Solomon, Spurs have three players all able to impact the game.
Ivan Perišić fits the new system well, although his age + wages make a move away, potentially through mutual contract termination, a sensible decision.
Dane Scarlett is far from first team ready so another EFL loan is required, whilst the club should consider a Parrott sale.
Dane Scarlett is far from first team ready so another EFL loan is required, whilst the club should consider a Parrott sale.
There is of course there is Harry Kane. Personally, I think it’s time for all parties to move on.
I would rather see Kane move abroad for a good fee that can be reinvested than to a rival for free next year + as far as I’m concerned, the sooner the saga is resolved the better.
I would rather see Kane move abroad for a good fee that can be reinvested than to a rival for free next year + as far as I’m concerned, the sooner the saga is resolved the better.
Son could either move inside to compete with Richarlison or he could stay on the left wing + Spurs would look at a young striker who would fit the system.
Any money left over from the Kane sale should be invested in academy talent, a 6, CBs or on improving the backup wingers.
Any money left over from the Kane sale should be invested in academy talent, a 6, CBs or on improving the backup wingers.
With these exits the squad size would be 22, allowing for three more signings, should Spurs reach the maximum PL squad size of 25.
PL clubs cannot register above 17 non-homegrown players, Spurs currently have 15 meaning they could sign say Tapsoba + Orban + be within the limit.
PL clubs cannot register above 17 non-homegrown players, Spurs currently have 15 meaning they could sign say Tapsoba + Orban + be within the limit.
Permanent exits: Lloris, Whiteman, Reguilón, Sànchez, Rodon, Højbjerg, Ndombele, Kane, Parrott
Loans: Spence, Tanganga, Devine, White, Scarlett
Loans: Spence, Tanganga, Devine, White, Scarlett
End of thread. If you would like to read the full article in more depth and detail then click the link below.
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