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What does Spurs squad look like for the 2019-20 campaign?

By Aaron Coe

MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 30: The players of Tottenham Hotspur: Danny Rose (first row, L-R), Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Tanguy Ndombele, Erik Lamela (second row, L-R), Toby Albertine Alderweireld, goalkeeper Paulo Dino Gazzaniga, Juan Foyth, Jan Vertonghen and Heung-Min Son line up prior the Audi cup 2019 semi final match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Arena on July 30, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images for AUDI)
MUNICH, GERMANY - JULY 30: The players of Tottenham Hotspur: Danny Rose (first row, L-R), Harry Winks, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Tanguy Ndombele, Erik Lamela (second row, L-R), Toby Albertine Alderweireld, goalkeeper Paulo Dino Gazzaniga, Juan Foyth, Jan Vertonghen and Heung-Min Son line up prior the Audi cup 2019 semi final match between Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur at Allianz Arena on July 30, 2019 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Scheuber/Getty Images for AUDI) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur gives his team instructions during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Tottenham’s Defence

Tottenham’s defence seems set at three positions but is less certain at one – right back. The Belgian brothers are back with Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld set to begin another season at center-half together. With a proven Davison Sánchez available to replace either or split the duo in a back three, the top three Spurs center halves are performing at a high level.

Behind those three, Juan Foyth and Ben Davies can both play center-half, with both also seeing time at right and left back respectively. Add pre-season performer Japhet Tanganga and, injured so not seen in preseason, TJ Eyoma – both from the U23 squad – to the list after getting Premier League numbers making this a deep position for Spurs.

You can also consider that Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier have both played center-half at times in the last two seasons, strengthening further the club’s overall defence.

Speaking of strength, I’m pleased as punch that Danny Rose is still manning the left flank. Despite everything Rose has faced and dealt with over the last few years, he seems a swell lad and plays his butt off for the team. His presence on the field is clear in the confidence he displays, and his attacking nous was back to near his best last season. Davies has a new contract and has served well in place of and/or in front of – depending on the time – Rose the last several years to giving the team two strong, experienced performers.

With just Davies and Rose, Spurs seem pretty set. Now we add in new signing Ryan Sessegnon and suddenly this position is dripping with talent, experience, and potential. While Sessegnon will see minutes all over the left flank this season, more likely at left back is the future. Barring a major injury or breakdown, Rose has two to three more top years in him, adding ample time for Sessegnon to grow. Left back is another position Spurs seem set for now and the future.

Right back on the other hand is a different story, as the starter for the last couple of years – Kieran Trippier – was sold to Atletico and two of the next three likely replacements are currently injured.

Serge Aurier, the default starter based on years past, broke his hand encouraging his Ivory Coast team at the Africa Cup of Nations this summer. Juan Foyth had the misfortune of injuring himself against Bayern Munich in the pre-season.

With the transfers and injuries, a big opportunity exists for Kyle Walker Peters. A homegrown product, Walker-Peters started throughout the pre-season and has previously performed well over the last two years. While not big for a back at 173 CM, KWP is quick and has an eye for a pass. We should also remember KWP started for World Cup winning U-20 English team in 2017 and recovered from his gaffe in the Champions League at Barcelona. If KWP can have a similar impact or even close to the impact that say Trent Alexander-Arnold did for Liverpool last year, no one will miss Trippier or lambast the fact we didn’t sign a right back.

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