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Tottenham Hotspur Links: Squad Trimming for Spurs Besides Federico Fazio and Andros Townsend

By Alexander Balano

Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino during training in advance of the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here’s the latest Tottenham Hotspur Links.

To begin today’s Tottenham Hotspur Links there’s one interesting take — albeit a very wrong take — on what to do with Tom Carroll and Ben Davies this January. Next up, it’s a minor update on Spurs’ fixtures for the month of February. It actually didn’t help Mauricio Pochettino but Tottenham can’t really complain with the schedule makers at this point. And lastly, Tottenham are taking part in the 2016 International Champions Cup in Melbourne, Austrailia next July along with Juventus. To the links.

RELATED: Tottenham Links: Michy Batshuayi Transfer Talks on Hold Until Summer

It’s common knowledge now that Federico Fazio and Andros Townsend may no longer be a part of Tottenham’s squad once the January winter transfer window is over. That’s not the issue with this article above. The main problem is that the author, James Middleton (an avid Middlesbrough supporter), thinks that Tom Carroll and Ben Davies should also be sold alongside Federico Fazio and Andros Townsend.

These moves take into account — hopefully knowing that the author himself has said, on his sub-header — that Tottenham will be having a congested Christmas and New Year’s period very soon. Why would you get rid of two young players who are great depth options and spot starters (Tom Carroll and Ben Davies)?

Here’s, James Middlton’s takes on Carroll and Davies below:

Tom Carroll:

"“Among them is young string-puller Thomas Carroll, who has started just one Premier League match – last weekend’s defeat at home to Newcastle – since returning from a season-long loan at Swansea.” “A stint at the Liberty Stadium seemingly didn’t prove the miracle solution to helping the former England under-21 international realise his potential, but he possesses a couple of characteristics ensuring a high market value.” “Both of which, age and nationality, can be found on his passport and having established himself as a decent, if not elite, Premier League performer, he’s sure to have an admirer or two stationed towards the foot of the division.”"

Ben Davies: 

"“Another youngster who, although originating from a different country to Carroll, still qualifies as ‘home-grown’ is Ben Davies.” “The Welsh left-back remains second choice to Danny Rose, as has been the case almost entirely throughout his Spurs tenure.” “With Euro 2016 on the horizon, long stints on the bench aren’t ideal as far as Davies’ playing prospects are concerned in France are concerned.”"

More from Hotspur HQ

To not sound off too much, because this is Middleton’s opinion, even though he’s very wrong in what he’s proposing.

Ben Davies is a starter in the Europa League so he’s getting playing time ahead of next summer’s Euros. Is it enough? Not really but he’s playing though so it’s something. From an eye test, Davies continues to improve which is why it’s critical to have him on the squad.

Tom Carroll? He’s a long-term player, meaning he won’t start over established first-team players but he’s fine for some spot starts in all competitions. With his possession-based mindset to always keep the ball it’s a great asset to have on a team who needs a goal or to prevent opponents from having an opportunity to equalize.

The following fixtures below have changed and are now updated:

  • Manchester City (A) – now Sunday, February 14, 2016
  • Swansea City (H) – now Sunday, February 28, 2016
  • West Ham United (A) – now Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Four days after Manchester City is the first leg in the Europa League’s Round of 32 against ACF Fiorentina (February 18). Three days following the second leg against Fiorentina (February 25) is Swansea City. Three days after West Ham is Arsenal on March 5th. In essence, while the fixtures were changed, it still doesn’t help Tottenham. Spurs will play six games in 20 days with little rest and possible FA Cup games should the Lilywhites move past the third round against Leicester City.

This will be a good pre-season tournament for Mauricio Pochettino and his young squad to continue developing in July next year. After competing against MLS All-Stars, Real Madrid and AC Milan this past summer, it helped the team get multiple players to have an impact later on during this current 2015-16 season: Dele Alli, Tom Carroll, Eric Dier, Josh Onomah, Kieran Trippier, Kevin Wimmer and Harry Winks.

Next: How Will Spurs Line Up Against Southampton?

Getting valuable playing time from June through August before facing Manchester United, helped Mauricio Pochettino figure out how much depth he has and why those same players named above are contributing right now. Players like Mousa Dembélé, Érik Lamela and Kyle Walker also got their seasons off to a great start by playing in these international club competitions.

They were able to earn playing time during the summer and impressed Pochettino to get selected regularly, at their respective positions. Playing in the International Champions Cup next July will find out just how far along all of these young players have come along, including new youth academy graduates who will be coming in.