How Spurs can compete without Kane or Son

Two key Spurs players are out for some time- Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son. Here’s how Tottenham can keep fighting in the Premier League.

Tottenham are entering one of the busiest parts of their season. Starting with the Fulham match there will be 5 games in the next 14 days. To make it even more of a challenge, both Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are out.

Kane suffered a damaged ligament near the end of the Manchester United match last Sunday. It is believed he will return sometime in early March. Son will return sooner as his spell for South Korea at the AFC Asian Cup ends on February 1st. It is entirely possible that he suits up for Tottenham against Newcastle on the 2nd of the month.

Until the two star forwards return, the question must be answered- How can Tottenham continue to compete in the Premier League?

Pochettino is trying to answer that question, but not in the way you might imagine. Usually when big players are lost around January, clubs look for replacements in the transfer window. It seems that this isn’t Pochettino’s answer.

Sure, he may choose to sign Barcelona winger Malcom or Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson. These rumors might turn out to be true and- let’s be honest- would be some pretty sweet signings. Still, it looks like Poch will be looking inside the organization for players.

Speaking about the pressure to sign players this month, Poch said “It didn’t change our mind, I think it’s a very good opportunity for players to play more, to step up.” He here says that he will look for other Spurs to take Kane and Son’s place. He makes the point further by stating “I’m sure it’s going to be a good opportunity for young players through the academy to show their quality.”

So another question arises- Who could possibly fill the vacant positions? Obviously you will never find another Harry Kane but there is one player that can play a similar role- Dele Alli. Both him and Kane have a keen eye for the forward pass, are masterful at headers, and are clinical finishers. Llorente is another option at striker but he doesn’t have the same skill or energy that Alli has. We will see what Pochettino decides in the coming weeks.

Son may be harder to replace, interestingly. This is because is one of Tottenham’s two speediest wingers, the other being Lucas Moura. Eriksen isn’t a true forward and Moura can only play on one wing. This is why we will see a lot more of Erik Lamela.

The Argentine hasn’t gotten a lot of action lately but impressed early in the season. He either scored or assisted in 6 of his first 5 Premier League matches this year. It is obvious Lamela can produce- albeit less efficiently than Son.

Worst-case scenario, Tottenham drop to 4th by early March. We mustn’t forget how amazingly they started the season. With capable players filling their new roles, there is no need to panic. And no need to buy.