Which Spurs Players Will Make Way for Son and Eriksen?
By Ryan Wrenn
Nacer Chadli
Nacer Chadli is rightfully at the center of the debate over who will be dropped for either Son or, perhaps eventually, Clinton N’Jie. The Belgian international is a reliably strong presence in left attacking midfield, but not so strong that he could hope to fend off either newer player if they can reach their potential.
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The problem with Chadli is that he often drifts away from the team in an apparent desire to play his own game. That game admittedly features both goals and the occasional assist. To a team like Mauricio Pochettino’s that lives and dies by a coordinated pressing system though, that kind of individualistic play doesn’t go far.
Perhaps sensing that his time to prove his worth was limited, Chadli turned in a quality team performance against Everton in the team’s last Premier League match. He was far more concerned about drawing Everton’s defense apart and playing in key passes to his teammates than selfishly going for goal. It was among his better performances in a Spurs shirt.
It might still have been too late for Chadli, however. His favored position on the left wing is also the favored position of Son and N’Jie. He is the most likely member of Tottenham’s starting XI to be sacrificed, though he could yet still feature in a secondary striker role or perhaps as a substitute option from the bench.
Next: Mousa Dembélé