How Tottenham’s Defense Improved

When a goal difference goes from +5 to +34, something is clearly different. Tottenham were able to go from a leaky defense in which the opposition knew they were going to score, to the best defense in the Premier League. What happened exactly?

The question of how Tottenham fixed their defensive woes is a very interesting one. Simultaneously it’s simple and complicated. Simple in the sense that Alderwieireld was the only new face and should, in theory, carry the sole responsibility of the improvement. And complicated because one player shouldn’t (and doesn’t) make a 29 goal difference.

Alderweireld, however, does play a very important role in the improvement of the defense. And while his individual performances are certainly something to remember from this season, the biggest asset he brought to the team was consistency. Consistency in his play, and consistency about who played in the center of defense for Tottenham Hotspur.

In 2014-2015, the centre-back partnership was anything but consistent. Last season Jan Vertonghen played 45 matches at center back for Tottenham Hotspur. In those 45 matches, 25 were along side Federico Fazio, seven were alongside Younes Kaboul, twelve alongside Eric Dier, and one next to Vlad Chiriches.

Contrast that with this season where Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen started 33 matches next to each other, Kevin Wimmer and Alderweireld started 15 matches next to each other and Wimmer and Dier started only three matches together in the center of defense in FA Cup matches. Familiarity breeds confidence. Confidence breeds success. Having a partnership in defense went a long way this season in helping Tottenham to a very respectable third place finish.

More from Hotspur HQ

• Storybook ending after difficult period for Tottenahm’s Richarlison
• Tottenham comeback showcased invaluable intangible Ange has cultivated
• Tottenham player ratings in 2-1 comeback win over Sheffield United
• Tottenham projected starting 11 for Sheffield United
• Tottenham’s Richarlison says he’s going to seek psychological help

As a corollary to the consistency shown at centre-back, Eric Dier has found himself a solid position this season. Again, looking at last season’s numbers Dier made 36 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, with 21 of them coming as a right back, 14 of them as a centre-back, and one as a left back. And exactly none of them coming as a defensive midfielder. This constant re-shuffling made it difficult to find any chemistry or to get comfortable anywhere in the pitch. And it shows in last season’s goal difference.

Again, contrasting that with this season’s numbers Dier made 51 appearances with 48 of them coming as a defensive midfielder and three of them coming as a center back. These numbers, combined with the consistency between the the center backs, and fluidity of play flourishes. Knowing the tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses of those on the pitch makes defending as a unit a much simpler task. And results in a stronger overall team performance.

Ignoring Mousa Dembélé’s bad decision against Chelsea, he stood out as a Tottenham star this season. And one of the main reasons for that is the midfield partnership he was able to form with Eric Dier. During the 2014-2015 season, Dembélé played several different positions in the midfield and the attacking band, with most of them coming somewhere in the midfield pivot. However, with Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb trying to figure things out there, Dembélé was often shifted elsewhere.

Because of Eric Dier’s emergence as a superb defensive midfielder and an early season injury to Nabil Bentaleb, Dembélé was given another run out as the front half of the midfield pivot. And now having a very capable midfield partner, Dembélé was able to use his skill set — particularly his strength and passing ability – in a more attacking role, instead of having to clean up the messes left by Mason and Bentaleb.

Lastly, the understanding of the high press in general has gone a long way to improving the defense of Tottenham Hotspur. Learning a new system and a new style is a difficult thing to do, there are bound to be some growing pains along the way. Tottenham Hotspur’s on field results speak directly to that. Tottenham were able to “defend from the front” and allow a sense of respite for those tasked with the heavier defending. Getting used to and fully understanding Pochettino’s system, as a unit, clearly played a major role in the significant improvement of the Tottenham defense.

On top of that, Tottenham were fourth in fouls per game with 11.9. Spurs were willing to commit fouls in order to break up play and allow everyone to re set themselves and find the shape again, thus allowing the team to re organize and take away the threat of any counter attack.

While a potent offense was certainly a major factor in Tottenham’s success in 2015-2016, it was the defense that stole the show. Giving the attacking players the confidence to create and try something, knowing that if it didn’t work or if the ball was turned over, there were competent teammates prepared to mop it up.

Next: Spurs End of Season Review: Ben Davies/Kieran Trippier

Tottenham should be proud of the work they’ve done this season, but need to make sure to strengthen going forward. This was a great year for the team and supporters alike and now Pochettino and company must be prepared to compete at a higher level on several fronts next season. But having a building block like the defense they have can only help.