Okay i'm doing Spurs

I mentioned in a previous post that Spurs weren't worth predicting. I still maintain that to be honest, however, after the signing of Alderweireld I thought I would put together a current predicted line up for the start of the season. You can see a (modern) classic 4-2-3-1 formation and i'm assuming Kane and Lloris will stay although I think Lloris is more likely to go than Kane and that would be a big blow as he is an outstanding goalkeeper, who is above Spurs' standard in my opinion. 

So we have Lloris & Kane. They are two strong players on either end of the pitch. Now, Anderweireld and Vertonghen could well make a decent defensive partnership. Spurs will like to play from the back and they certainly have two defenders that can do that. Trippier and Rose are two players that can no doubt be improved but at the same time will cut it for the majority of the season, although not if Spurs are looking to challenge for a title.

Betaleb and Mason, the young pretenders. A lot of potential but far too prone to mistakes and just a hint that their early quality was actually a plateau for them both as opposed to blossoming potential. I hope they prove me wrong this season though, they are both good technically, both good tacklers and both young and fresh to the game. They could be the key to a successful season this year. If they can cut out the mistakes and provide solid support to their back four and front four then Spurs as a unit will be a much tougher outfit to breakdown. Paulinho and Capou leaving along with Dembele being linked away means it seems these two will be favoured. Dembele should be kept to play in the centre of the park, especially against the bigger teams with Lamela making way and Ericson moving wider. 

As for the front three supporting Kane, Ericson is the only one I really like. I think he is a classy player and Spurs should work to move everything through him. I think Lamela has potential but I would guess he will ultimately prove too weak for the Premier League. Chadli has proved he is up to the standard, however, once again we are looking at players that can be improved but will cut it to the point of allowing Spurs to make the top six. 

The spine of this team is relatively solid but always prone to mistakes (The Spurs way). There are players that could be upgraded and arguably Townsend and Dembele are better options than say Lamela and Chadli but they are both potentially leaving the club. Sidebar: I know a lot of people hate Townsend for Spurs but I don't mind him, he is a simple player who is seems like quite a pain to play against. 

The thing is.. Spurs will buy a lot of players before the window is done. They could buy another attacking midfield/winger and they should get another striker to support Kane. If they could find him, they should buy a flexible attacker who can play in both those positions. Maybe another central midfielder as well to keep Betaleb and Mason on their toes or upgrade them if the transfer is available. Ultimately, I think it is more important to work with this current team than it is to add to it. Their is talent there and while they won't win the league, they are capable of beating any of the top teams on their day. Pochettino is the man to get them ready but i'm not sure Levy is the man to keep them together.