Mauricio Pochettino Happy with Tottenham’s Depth
The amount of depth and quality on Tottenham’s squad has increased after their summer spending.
Much has been said about Tottenham’s lack of depth in previous seasons but this year it looks like that will be changing.
After Mauricio Pochettino had, by most accounts, a very good and solid starting XI last term, the bench was they only thing that needed fixing.
With the additions of Victor Wanyama, Vincent Janssen, Georges-Kévin N’Koudou, Pau López and Moussa Sissoko this summer, Spurs are now capable of fielding a competitive team even with the loss of key players.
Mousa Dembélé who just wrapped up his six-match ban yesterday was dearly missed as Tottenham failed to win any of their final four games last year on their way to a third-place finish.
To begin this season, the Belgian international’s absence was still felt as the central midfield pairing of Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama weren’t playing as good as they should have.
Then, when Érik Lamela wouldn’t be able to start yesterday’s match against Stoke City, due to one day of practice following Argentina’s World Cup qualifier against Venezuela and a 10-hour flight, some concerns crept in.
Who would start in the Argentine’s place? Would having Lamela start on the bench make yesterday’s game more difficult for Spurs? It turns out, Son Heung-Min who got the start was more than enough to secure a win.
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This year, Spurs now have adequate depth throughout the squad, from top to bottom, at every position.
Something that Mauricio Pochettino is happy with after going unbeaten in the first four Premier League games this year.
Though, there was a chance that Son could have left, leaving Tottenham thin at the wing position.
“Not only Son, different players,” Pochettino said (via Sky Sports).
“Last season was tough for him and we have to make the decision, in or out.”
“We took the decision for him to stay with us and I’m very pleased now. He had the opportunity to play and show he can help us. We’re very pleased for him.”
With the Champions League getting underway on Wednesday for Spurs against Monaco, it’s good to know that Spurs are covered and can rotate players in and out for some rest.
The Premier League is the main priority for Mauricio Pochettino and company, but they should be able to handle themselves against Europe’s elites and England’s lower leagues in cup competitions.
“We need to be conscious that we have a tough season ahead with the Champions League and different cups, and the Premier League is tough,” Pochettino added.
“The depth of the squad is very important, they have to fight for a place in the starting XI; with seven games in 23 days, we need all the players ready to compete and play.”
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Son Heung-Min started in Érik Lamela’s place and his first game this season was spectacular. It may be enough to make him one of Mauricio Pochettino’s first names off of the bench to rotate throughout the year or even earn some spot starts.
Unless there’s a major injury, Tottenham should be able to withstand one or more of their key players sitting out a game when needed.
Yesterday against Stoke was the first indication that Spurs are well equipped to navigate through tough fixtures without their strongest lineup being selected.