Spurs are so nearly there, but they have been lacking when it comes to the business end of the season and in many of the big games. They are becoming more and more of a laughingstock, with the almost inevitability of bottling it on the biggest stages. There is a lack in depth, which was addressed in midfield, with the signings of Ndombele and Lo Celso, however defensively, it wasn’t addressed. Vertonghen and Alderweireld are both out of contract in the summer (https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/tottenham-hotspur/kader/verein/148/saison_id/2019/plus/1) they also failed to replace the departing Kieran Trippier, which leaves them short on defensive cover.
Spurs are in need of a change, Pochettino has done an incredible job and there is growing questions surrounding his future. However, Spurs should do everything they can to keep him. The job he has done in building the team is unbelievable. On a limited budget, a Champions League final is astounding, admittedly, this is the only real achievement for Spurs in recent times, however, there is much room for improvement. With the correct decisions, it would lead to a Spurs side more than capable of competing for trophies. There are several changes which would be required for this to happen. With several players reportedly unhappy, it could be time for much-needed changes. Who should go? There has been talks of Eriksen leaving for some time and it brings uncertainty to the team, which hasn’t helped in recent weeks. He has certainly been an excellent servant for Spurs, signing for £12 million (https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/christian-eriksen/profil/spieler/69633) and playing for 6 years. In his final year of contract, it is likely Eriksen will be leaving. January would be the best time to sell as they could well profit on him, despite his final year of contract. There is an overhaul required defensively, starting with Vertonghen, now 32 and also in his last year of contract, it is likely he will leave, and it is time for young, fresher faces in the squad. Rose and Aurier are simply not good enough and should be sold, it would be more likely for both to leave in the summer, with clubs having a tendency of reluctance to sell in January. Wanyama and Sissoko should also be sold, with a need for better ‘squad players’.
Spurs are in need of younger players defensively, with one potential acquisition being Umtiti (25) of Barcelona, being a left-footed centre back, he would be the ideal replacement for Vertonghen. Umtiti has been surplus to requirements at Barcelona and could be available for relatively cheap as a result. Despite being linked with Arsenal, Spurs should go all out for the French centre back, with Spurs able to offer Champions League football, it would be a great signing. Another signing Spurs should consider would be Thomas Meunier (28) of PSG, Meunier is a versatile player, who can play right-back or defensive midfield, both positions in which Spurs need. A move from PSG could well be on the cards, with Lucas Moura and Serge Aurier already making the switch from Paris to London. Meunier would also come on the cheap, with 1 year left on his contract. A move for Isco (27) should also be considered by Spurs, with the potential for a swap deal for Eriksen with the Real Madrid playmaker. The 3 players mentioned have all had experience at the top level, with Isco notably winning the Champions League 4 times, Umtiti winning the 2018 World Cup with France and Meunier winning 3 league titles in France and Belgium.
Promotion of youth has been vital in Spurs’ recent success, this should continue with the likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Oliver Skipp, Josh Onamah and Marcus Edwards all making a name for themselves at youth level. These players should be integrated into the squad for added depth. Ryan Sessegnon is also likely to come into the squad next season, ideally replacing Danny Rose. A younger addition should also be considered by Spurs, a forward would be desired, which can add further rotation for maximum output in all competitions. Kai Havertz (20) would bring the perfect balance, being left-footed, it can bring more variety in their attacks. Havertz is also versatile, in that he can play out wide as well as a creative midfield role. Combining the proposed new signings, while adding youth for squad depth could finally bring trophies to Spurs. Below is a blueprint of what could be.
Subs: Gazzaniga, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Lo Celso, Winks, Havertz, Lamela
I think Dembele was Spurs best player and he really hasn’t been replaced. The team which beat Red Star should have played Liverpool. Lamela is the only one who is close to Dembele. They undervalued Trippiers attack.
It will all come out in the wash, but why do we always have to go through this.
When Arsenal can spend 70 million on a player what are we doing?