Tottenham Hotspur’s Top XI on Current Form

Number III – Lucas Moura

If people thought Lloris at 8 was controversial, then Lucas Moura at 3 probably has some folks scratching their heads and others applauding that someone finally sees the light on Lucas. Lucas seems to be one of those polarizing players where people either love him or don’t quite see his contribution. Personally, I love what he brings to the squad.

No one else on Spurs has the speed to get behind defenses the way he can. While we haven’t seen it a ton, the threat alone helps open space for Harry Kane and others. His goal against Wolves was clearly important. He runs until he can’t anymore and then typically comes off. While it would be nice to see him go 90 more often, we have a lot of attackers who are fighting for and frankly need time on the pitch.

Lucas’ overall game isn’t quite to the level it was in the first two to three weeks of the season, but it is coming close. Close enough to bring him back from the cold into the Brazilian National Team and land number 3 here.

Number II – Harry Winks

Seeing Harry Winks play on a weekly basis is just awesome. Another academy kid come good, right? Yes, that is true, but it is the way he fits in Pochettino’s game that really helps him excel. Winks brings what seems like boundless energy to the field. Unlike some players who just make runs and then stomp over not getting the ball, Winks moves to find space and create passing lanes for others, so the ball can come to him. Any team that wants to be successful playing out of the back has to have players that get open for the defenders. Winks does that very well.

Once Harry Winks has the ball- more often than not- he is looking to move the ball forward. This puts the defenders on their heels and creates opportunities for others. His game in the single pivot, in front of the back four against PSV was a thing of beauty. It could have landed him in the Top XI on that one alone, but he has done even more.

Winks has led or been second on Spurs in passes attempted in each of his last three games. Even more importantly, he has connected his passes at over a 90% clip in those matches. It is just wonderful to see Harry Winks back happy and healthy earning that number 8 he wears and the number 2 spot in this ranking.

Number I – Harry Kane

It is kind of weird as I write that Harry Kane is number 1 on the club currently on form when he really hasn’t played to his personal top level yet this season. That said, Harry Kane is clutch and has had three big goals in his last three games.

It at first seemed like just a guy coming off a skid when Kane scored Spurs’ third at Wolves. But less than an hour later, that third goal was the game-winner. Speaking of game-winners, while the call I heard was in Spanish, thanks Galavision, my eyes saw clearly how Kane rescued any Tottenham hopes in Europe over the course of the last 10 minutes of the PSV match.

Harry Kane is a match-winner and -as he showed this week with all the ceremony around Wayne Rooney’s farewell game with the England National Team- is a classy guy to be the face of the club. While I do expect Kane to show more, the team must get him the ball in goal-scoring positions.

Harry Kane has been excellent in the hold-up play all season, but particularly of late as other teams back continue to kick, push, and clobber him from behind. If Spurs are to follow their form of the past few seasons and start playing some of their best football after this third break, Harry Kane is likely to be leading that push. He did exactly that over the last month to help Spurs maintain their momentum on what could be a magical season on many fronts.

That’s the Top XI for now.