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By Lee Clow 31 December 2020 | Opinion Piece
One year ago, Tottenham were on the road to recovery as former manager Mauricio Pochettino was relieved of his duties and serial winner, Jose Mourinho, was brought in. Spurs sat 14th in the Premier League at the time and after a strange season, which included a global pandemic in the middle of it, Mourinho’s men were able to qualify for the Europa League finishing 6th. In the summer of 2020, Spurs were able to invest in key players including the return of Gareth Bale. Since then, Spurs have gone from strength to strength and are beginning to look like a Jose Mourinho team with the club in a very good position to end their trophy doubt.
One year ago, I also reflected on the current Tottenham team and now I am back with an updated look on the squad.
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Goalkeepers:
Hugo Lloris (1)
Last year I gave Hugo Lloris a 6/10 and I felt his best days were behind him at Tottenham. Having said that, my opinion on the Spurs captain has changed dramatically with the Frenchman looking to be in his best form of his career. During the 19/20 season, Lloris suffered an horrific injury against Brighton which ruled him out for three months. In this time Spurs changed managers and when the skipper returned in goal, he proved why he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Lloris is now in his ninth season at Spurs and he has comfortably established himself as a club legend and many will be hoping that he will finally be lifting a trophy for Tottenham come the end of the season.
Score: 9/10
Joe Hart (12)
Jose Mourinho’s second summer signing in 2020 was the former England goalkeeper Joe Hart. When initially signing, many Spurs fans thought Hart would replace the outgoing Michel Vorm. This was not the case however as Hart established himself as Tottenham’s number two goalkeeper, behind Lloris and ahead of Paulo Gazzaniga. I was spectacle at first, but I feel Hart is a great addition to the squad as he brings a wealth of experience and a trophy winning mentality. With Tottenham without a trophy in over 12 years, Hart’s voice in the dressing room could be pivotal in changing this.
Score: 7/10
Paulo Gazzaniga (22)
Paulo Gazzaniga has been drawn the short straw at Tottenham during the 20/21 season. The arrival of Joe Hart has forced Gazzaniga to slip down the pecking order and to make it worse the Argentine has not been included in the squad any of Spurs’ cup competitions. Gazzaniga has proved he is a reliable backup or even starter, having come in for Lloris last season whilst he was injured, however his time at Tottenham is up and he will likely be on the move in the January transfer window.
Score: 2/10
Fullbacks:
Matt Doherty (2)
Last season, Tottenham were in the desperate need of a right back. Serge Aurier was the clubs only recognised right back however his performances left a lot to be desired. Matt Doherty was brought into to fill this role and it looked like he was going to be a great signing for the North London club. Having said this, Doherty has not yet lived up to expectations, with Aurier appearing to step up his game. With half the season left to play, Doherty still has a lot to offer Spurs and there is no denying he has impacted the squad in a positive way.
Score: 6/10
Sergio Reguilon (3)
Sergio Reguilon was an amazing piece of business by Tottenham. The former Real Madrid fullback was pivotal in Sevilla’s Europa League success last season and this year he appears to have adapted to life in England very quickly. The Spaniard is quick and confident, and he certainly has the qualities to become a world class left back.
Score: 8/10
Serge Aurier (24)
As mentioned, Serge Aurier’s performances last season, and for most of his Spurs career, have been poor and a replacement was clearly needed. I was certainly one of many who wanted Aurier out of the club, but my opinion on the Ivorian has U-turned. The introduction of Matt Doherty and the guidance of Jose Mourinho has positivity impacted Aurier and the right back has put in the performances which have earnt him the starting berth in the Spurs team. I still have slight concerns with Aurier and feel Tottenham could invest in a new right back, however I do feel now he has improved as a player.
Score: 7/10
Ben Davies (33)
When Jose Mourinho first took charge of Tottenham, he identified Ben Davies as a key player, which he would base his defence around. Having spent five years battling out with Danny Rose under Mauricio Pochettino, Davies now faces the tough competition of Sergio Reguilon. Reguilon is certainly the better fullback of the two, however Davies is a solid backup, and it is clear Mourinho trusts the versatile Welshman.
Score: 7/10
Danny Rose (N/A)
As I said last year, Danny Rose was arguably the best left back in the league four years ago. Times have changed however and his time at Spurs is finally up after 14 years. Jose Mourinho clearly does not rate the left back with Rose forced to play with the under 23 squad and is without a squad number. It’s a shame to see his long career with Spurs end this way but the club have now moved on with Reguilon and Davies.
Score: 1/10
Centre Backs:
Toby Alderweireld (4)
Toby Alderweireld has yet again been a rock at the back for Tottenham. The Belgium has established himself in the heart of Jose Mourinho’s defence alongside new partner Eric Dier. Alderweireld is going to be important for Spurs in their hunt for a trophy as I believe he is, by a mile, the clubs best defender.
Score: 9/10
Davinson Sanchez (6)
Last year I said Davinson Sanchez was the ‘future of Tottenham’s defence’. One year on, I retracted my statement as I feel the centre back’s time at Tottenham is nearly up. Sanchez has failed to rediscover his form from his first season at Spurs and he is now struggling to make the bench. The Colombian has become mistake prone and Mourinho clearly doesn’t trust the defender, most notably having dropped him after Spurs sacrificed a three-goal lead against West Ham this season. I can see Sanchez leaving the club soon, but I feel Tottenham need to find a replacement first.
Score: 5/10
Joe Rodon (14)
Joe Rodon is Tottenham’s newest addition having arrived from Swansea City. The young centre back has impressed in the Championship and is looks one for the future. Rodon made his first start for Spurs against Chelsea and minus the odd mistake, the Welshman comfortably slotted into defence alongside Eric Dier whilst Toby Alderweireld was side-lined. I do have some doubts especially if Rodon does not play week in week out, however if he can get the game time at Spurs, he should establish himself as a very promising defender.
Score: 7/10
Eric Dier (15)
Last year, I scored Eric Dier a 5/10 as I felt the midfielder’s career at the time was stalling. Having said that, Dier has since turned it around with a position at centre back his new home. Alongside Toby Alderweireld, Dier has developed a strong defensive partnership and it shows with Tottenham having one of the best defensive records in the Premier League. I certainly rate Dier as a player and his new role in the heart of defence will help Tottenham in their pursuit of a trophy.
Score: 9/10
Juan Foyth (21)
Juan Foyth is currently on loan at Villarreal, but I certainly feel his time at Tottenham is over. As I mentioned last year, Foyth has great qualities to become a top centre back, however Jose Mourinho does not trust the Argentine. It is a shame to see Foyth leave Tottenham, but it is probably the best for both parties.
Score: 1/10
Japhet Tanganga (25)
In the past year, Japhet Tanganga has established himself into the Tottenham first team squad. For me he is the future of Tottenham, however I am still unsure on what position is best for him. Tanganga has been deployed at centre back, right back and left back and he has impressed in all three positions. Jose Mourinho has stated the Englishman’s best position is at right back, but with Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier in that position, it is going to be hard for Tanganga. Big times are ahead for the young defender.
Score: 7/10
Cameron Carter Vickers (38)
Nothing changes for me with Cameron Cater Vickers. His time is up, and he has not gone from strength to strength since making his debut back in 2016. He is struggling to find success on loan, and I won’t be surprised if he leaves the club very soon.
Score: 0/10
Central Midfielders:
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (5)
For me, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is the bargain of the summer. The former Southampton captain was Jose Mourinho’s first signing in the summer window and he has transformed the Tottenham side. Højbjerg is a Mourinho type player and he does the dirty work that often gets unnoticed. Much of Tottenham’s success in defence and attack has come from the Danish midfielder, so it is important Tottenham keep him fit for the whole season, as it would be a big blow if he is to get injured. Top player and my top signing of the window.
Score: 10/10
Harry Winks (8)
I worry for Harry Winks at Tottenham. I believe he is good little player who can succeed, however with the new signing of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, the England midfielder’s playtime has been limited. I can see Winks playing alongside Højbjerg, however they are very similar and Tottenham have other creative players who I think should start over him. A move away may be Winks’ only choice, especially if he is to establish a place in the England setup.
Score: 6/10
Moussa Sissoko (17)
Echoing what I said last year, what a turnaround this man has had. Moussa Sissoko was once labelled as a scapegoat, but he is now one of Spurs’ most important players. I initially thought Sissoko was not part of Jose Mourinho’s plans but he once again has proved me wrong and has established a strong partnership with new signing Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. As he was with their 18/19 Champions League campaign success, Sissoko will be key in his sides hunt for silverware this season.
Score: 8/10
Tanguy Ndombele (28)
Tanguy Ndombele has had an up and down 2020, but since the start of the 20/21 season he has finally shown his worth in Tottenham’s team. Spurs’ record signing looked to be out of Jose Mourinho’s plans however the Frenchman has fought for his place and been central to Tottenham’s successes this season. Ndombele still has a long way to go to achieve his potential, but I feel he now can kick on and be pivotal in Tottenham’s future success.
Score: 8/10
Oliver Skipp (29)
Currently on loan at Norwich City, Oliver Skipp is establishing himself as a Premier League player. I am really impressed with Skipp’s progression this year and I am sure he will be a big part of Jose Mourinho’s side in the future. Keep an eye on this young talent.
Score: 7/10
Gedson Fernandes (30)
I have to be honest; I have never rated Gedson Fernadnes. The Portuguese midfielder signed in January 2020 on loan from Benfica, however he has not shown his worth to earn a permanent move. It is reported that Fernandes will return to Benfica earlier than expected and I feel that is best for both parties.
Score: 1/10
Attacking Midfielders:
Giovani Lo Celso (18)
On the contrary to Gedson Fernandes, I really rate Giovani Lo Celso and I believe he has the ability to become a world class player. The Argentine has struggled with injuries but if he is able to get back to full fitness and nail down a place in the starting eleven, I believe he can be a key part in Tottenham’s trophy hunt. Another player to keep an eye out.
Score: 8/10
Dele Alli (20)
This one is incredibly tricky for me. I rated Dele 9/10 last year as I believe he is a class player and he can recapture his form of 2017, however I feel his time is running out at Tottenham. Since Jose Mourinho took over glimpses of the old Dele were seen, however it appears that the pair no longer see eye to eye. Dele has been left out in the cold with the midfielder making very limited appearances this season. Now 24, Dele has a big decision to make on whether he can break back into the Spurs first team or to move away in the hope to rediscover his form. I would like to see Dele stay at Spurs as he has the players and facilities around him to reach his potential, but like I said I do not see this happening under Mourinho.
Score: 4/10
Wingers:
Heung-Min Son (7)
There is not much more I can say about Heung-Min Son than: club legend. Son is one of Tottenham’s best players at the moment. The South Korean already has 11 Premier League goals this season and his link up play with Harry Kane has been outstanding. An amazing footballer who I believe will be part of Tottenham’s success under Jose Mourinho.
Score: 10/10
Gareth Bale (9)
In July 2020, no one would have expected to see Gareth Bale return to Tottenham after seven years. The Welshmen is a fan favourite amongst fans, and many are expecting him to push Spurs to glory, having won the lot at Real Madrid. So far in his return Bale has struggled with injuries, but I am certain that when he gains full fitness, he will help bolster Tottenham’s threatening attack and finally end their 12-year trophy drought.
Score: 7/10
Erik Lamela (11)
Echoing what I said last year, it’s a strange situation with Erik Lamela. Both Mauricio Pochettino and Jose Mourinho put their trust into Lamela, but the Argentine seems to spend more time on the side-lines than he does on the pitch. I want to believe in Lamela but I do not see him getting anywhere near the Spurs starting eleven. I think Lamela’s Spurs career will be decided on whether the club win any trophies in next few years. If Spurs are unable to win silverware under Mourinho, I feel Lamela will be out the door and he will go down as a flop amongst fans.
Score: 6/10
Ryan Sessegnon (19)
Ryan Sessegnon is currently on loan at Hoffenheim after a slow first season at Tottenham. As I said last year, I am a huge fan of this young talent and I hope he can establish himself into the Tottenham set up in the near future. According to Sessegnon himself, he has a good relationship with Jose Mourinho, and this may be key for his future. As with Japhet Tanganga, I am unsure on what Sessegnon’s best position, but I do see him featuring in the Spurs fold very soon.
Score: 6/10
Steven Bergwijn (23)
Steven Bergwijn could not have started life at Tottenham any better. The Dutchman was brought in from PSV in January 2020 and instantly made an impact by scoring on his debut against Manchester City. Bergwijn followed this up with more goals and he looked like he was going to push on and establish himself as a starter in Jose Mourinho’s side. Despite this, Bergwijn struggled over the lockdown and at the start of the 20/21 season he received criticism from Mourinho himself. I do think the winger has a place in Tottenham’s team, but he has a lot of competition to face off, especially now with the return of Gareth Bale.
Score: 7/10
Lucas Moura (27)
Unfortunately, I feel Lucas Moura has suffered massively from his wonderful hattrick against Ajax in semi-final of the Champions League. The Brazilian has become inconsistent with his performances and he looks to be a squad player rather than a starter. This has led me to change my opinion on him from last year. I do like Moura’s qualities, but I don’t feel they are strong enough to bring Spurs a much-needed trophy. I don’t see Moura leaving the club, as Mourinho has a good relationship with him, but I also don’t see him getting past Gareth Bale or Steven Bergwijn in his position.
Score 6/10
Jack Clarke (47)
One year on and I still have not seen much of Jack Clarke. The young winger has made a few appearances this season but only from the substitute bench. According to reports, Clarke is impressing in training and that is a positive sign for the former Leeds player. I feel Clarke has a future at Tottenham, but a loan move is needed for him to progress further.
Score: 5/10
Strikers:
Harry Kane (10)
Harry Kane continues to amaze me year after year. The England captain has been outstanding this season and appears to be in the prime of his career. Kane’s game under Jose Mourinho has changed and now he is more than just a goal scorer, but a playmaker and even defender. Nine goals and 10 assists in only 15 Premier League games is astonishing and nothing short of world class. I was nervous last year as I believed Kane could consider leaving Spurs, but I feel this is out of the question for now, with them looking very threatening this season. If Tottenham are to win a trophy, then I feel it is going to be Kane who will win them it. Absolutely World Class.
Score: 10/10
Carlos Vinicius (45)
In the summer of 2020, Spurs signed their first striker since Fernando Llorente in 2017. Carlos Vinicius made the loan switch from Benfica and he looks to become Harry Kane’s back up. From what I have seen in his limited appearances, Vinicius looks to be a good purchase. The Brazilian is certainly not the same player as Kane, but he does know where the net is, having scored three goals so fair in the Europa League. I do feel Vinicius is going to get frustrated by being on the bench, but it is for him to step up and prove to Jose Mourinho that he can step up and play alongside Kane. It is going to be an interesting season for him, but if he can find his feet, Tottenham will be strong in attack and this could be the pivotal point in Tottenham’s search for success.
Score: 6/10
Troy Parrott (52)
The last player I will cover in this article is Troy Parrott. Currently on loan at Millwall, the Irishman has a promising future ahead of him. Parrott, at only 18, has shown his quality at youth level and this has earned him a call up to the Republic of Ireland set up. I hope the young striker can learn his trade at Millwall, therefore he can return to Spurs, alongside Harry Kane, and fight for places. Injuries have stalled Parrott at this current stage, but he certainly has a bright future ahead.
Score: 6/10
Overall:
Since I last reflected on the current Tottenham team, improvements have been to the squad and I feel the club is in a great position to finally end their trophy drought. Jose Mourinho has installed a new winning mentality into the squad and the new additions have all positively impacted the squad. To answer the question of this article, I feel this squad is now good enough to achieve success and they certainly have the right person at the helm to make this happen. Big times ahead for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.
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Best Tottenham Team (20/21):
Starting 11:
GK: Lloris (C) RB: Doherty/Aurier CB: Alderweireld CB: Dier LB: Reguilon CDM: Højbjerg CDM: Sissoko RM: Bale
LM: Son CAM: Ndombele/Lo Celso ST: Kane
Bench:
Hart Rodon/Sanchez Davies Winks Lamela/Dele Moura Lo Celso Bergwijn Vinicius
Transfers Out:
Gazzaniga Sanchez Carter-Vickers Rose Winks Fernandes (Loan Return) Clarke (Loan) Dele
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