Tottenham Hotspur have been the nearly men under manager Mauricio Pochettino since his arrival five seasons ago. The London club have the lowest budget among the top six but have been able to compete throughout the tenure of Pochettino.
Last season appeared to be the last straw for Pochettino after losing to Liverpool in the Champions League finals. However, the Argentine tactician stayed with the club, with the club rewarding his loyalty by backing him in the transfer window with big-money signings.
This season, Tottenham have one of the best squads well equipped to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the league title. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have formed a defensive partnership at the club not seen since the time of club legend Ledley King and Michael Dawson, and it’s just one of the reasons that Ladbrokes have made them third favourites for the title.
This partnership is the bedrock of the club which has helped to build a consistent outfit, and it’s a relief to fans that they have managed to keep the pair together, especially given that there were rumours of interest in ALderweireld by the likes of Barcelona and Juventus.
The midfield is also well stocked after the arrival of club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon. Argentine playmaker Giovanni Le Celso also moved on a loan deal with an option to buy and strengthens the midfield. Both players are the sort of signings that thrive under Pochettino as they are athletic and possess quality on the ball. Expect them to be subject to big bids from the big boys over the coming transfer windows if Poch once again manages to work him magic.
The one player whose future is up in the air is their Danish playmaker’s – if the club can secure the future of Christian Eriksen, it would be a major plus after he showed against Aston Villa why he is indispensable to the club. He would be badly missed, especially after Dele Alli’s previous season – the England hopeful will have to put up better numbers this season. The England international has regressed in recent months but possesses quality.
Upfront Tottenham have reliable performers. Korean Son was the best player for the club during Harry Kane injury absence and much would be expected from the forward. Lucas Moura showed that he remains a quality player and should get more playing time this season. Harry Kane remains one of the best finishers in the league and should win the Golden Boot award if fit all season.
