Tottenham are Stronger This Year Claims Jan Vertonghen

Tottenham missed out on a league title last year, but Jan Vertonghen believes they could challenge for it again this season.

This summer Tottenham signed two players so far, but despite this fact, Jan Vertonghen believes they’re stronger this year.

The 29-year-old makes a fair point, even with Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen joining there were no major changes to the team.

While Mauricio Pochettino expects a couple more additions, Tottenham’s core remains intact.

After last season’s late collapse, Spurs can only learn from their mistakes.

And one mistake that they made was not improving their bench in January. No one was signed because Pochettino wasn’t able to find anyone who could help.

Once Mousa Dembélé and Dele Alli were suspended Spurs’ bench couldn’t fill the void. Though it was apparent they lacked quality for a while.

“We learned a lot from last season,” Jan Vertonghen said (via London Evening Standard). “We are physically stronger and everyone is a year older.”

“We were a young team so that is good for us.”

Vertonghen makes a great point about everyone being a year older.

Although Tottenham had a lot of youth last term, they still had experience at important positions: goalkeeper, central midfield and center-back.

That alone doesn’t seem like much, but having younger players everywhere else proved to be a boon for Spurs.

They were still able to challenge for a title despite having a young squad. With Victor Wanyama and Vincent Janssen added to the team, it’ll only make Spurs better.

Another year in Pochettino’s system will have everyone fine-tuning themselves; improve what worked and fix what didn’t.

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 02: Manager Mauricio Pochettino talks to his players during the Tottenham Hotspur Training Session on August 2, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

With new additions joining Spurs and the “Big Five”, this season will be very challenging.

“We have made two good signings [Wanyama and Janssen] to help the team,” Vertonghen added.

“The big teams have made some great signings, changed managers and look very good.”

“We are stronger than last season so I think we can [challenge again this time].”

“It will be a very interesting Premier League this year.”

If questions were asked about how Mauricio Pochettino would address his team’s bench this summer, more questions have emerged following their 1-1 draw against Everton.

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The first one is dealing with Victor Wanyama.

Because Wanyama has Premier League experience, he was a logical choice to start this past Friday against the Toffees.

Though what ended up happening, was Spurs fielding two defensive midfielders when they needed only one.

It made Eric Dier — a quality holding mid — look out of place and he was eventually replaced by Vincent Janssen.

The second question is about the Dutch striker. Janssen has only played with Tottenham’s starters for two games (Inter Milan and Everton).

And on both occasions, the 22-year-old was coming off of the bench.

While Vincent Janssen should be brought in slowly because he has no Premier League experience, he has quickly adapted to his new surrounding.

The answer should be obvious with regards to Janssen starting or not. But can Pochettino bench Wanyama and drop Alli and Kane deeper to accomodate the Dutchman?

Next: Tottenham Player Ratings: 1-1 at Everton

Even with two signings, having this squad be one year older and letting the Premier League title and second place slip from Tottenham’s hands should make this team stronger.

All that’s left is Mauricio Pochettino figuring out his starting XI and bench during match-days.

Plus, who will be signed, as Spurs still need help out wide (winger) and in the middle (attacking midfield).

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