Tottenham Hotspur Top XI on form as of Matchday 4

Tottenham Hotspur return to action this weekend so let’s delve into who the on-form players after 4 matches are.

This is the second edition of the Top 11 players on form this season (for edition 1 click here.) As a reminder, this list isn’t a starting 11, nor does it have to take the field as a unit, rather, the list reflects who is playing well for the squad, ranking them one through 11. And it’s purely based on current form.

Dropping out:

VAR, Kyle Walker Peters

Previously 11 and 10 respectively, both have fallen out of our top 11, but for different reasons. As was to be expected at some point, and frankly what feels almost harshly early this season, VAR twice have denied Spurs a potential penalty, as the question of what it takes to earn a VAR PK continues to elude Spurs. With these non-decisions recently going against Spurs, things are beginning to even out with VAR, which was more a matter of if not when.

Kyle Walker-Peters was hurt at the back end of Matchday Three and missed the subsequent battle with Arsenal at Emirates. Maybe if this was a list about valuable things it would be different, as we clearly need some additional cover at right back, but given this is a list about form, he drops out of the top 11.

Number 11: Davison Sanchez (-6)

Davison Sanchez was the surprise starter at right back in the North London Derby with KWP out injured. While Sanchez wasn’t the worst performer on the field and did some things well – like push the ball forward – he didn’t provide any real width in attack and was the worst defender for Spurs. Clearly not accustomed to being out in space defensively, Sanchez struggled for long stretches against the Gunners. That said, Sanchez has been solid in previous performances and overall stays in our Top XI.

Number 10: Moussa Sissoko (-1)

Speaking of staying in the top 10, Moussa Sissoko hangs in this week, dropping one spot from our initial list. Things are starting to come into focus with the rejuvenated Moussa Sissoko and we know what we are going to get most days. A player that works hard and can spring some attacks forward from deep. However, he has baffling limitations closer to goal. While his passing in the final third has improved, his finishing certainly has not. Sissoko has had opportunities in every game this season and has failed to find the target. As other Spurs get healthy and come to form, his inability to finish what he starts may cost him his spot in our top XI, and his place in the staring XI for Mauricio Pochettino.

Number 9: Harry Winks (NR)

Harry Winks makes his first appearance on our list this season. Known for his tidy work, Winks stood out against Arsenal. Demonstrating more aggression and pushing 1/3 of his passes forward on the day, we were all reminded of why Pochettino once spoke of Winks in the same breath with Iniesta. When Winks can maintain the speed of his passing and work to be more direct, it makes Spurs a better team. Hopefully we continue to see more of that as Winks’ confidence returns and he settles into the pivot – whether double or solo.

Number 8: Heung-Min Son (NR)

While he missed some time early from last season’s red card shenanigans, Heung-Min Son is certainly a difference maker for Tottenham. Son earned the penalty against Arsenal, and his ability to attack with pace from the wing brings something that was clearly lacking for Tottenham in the first couple games of the season. It seems Son is primed for another big year.

Number 7: Lucas Moura (-2)

Like Son, it is a matter of how much time he has had on the field that keeps Lucas Moura lower on this list. It seems, at least for the time being, while they are not the same player, Pochettino has Son and Moura pegged for the same role. With Son back healthy, we may continue to see less of Moura. Hopefully the early spring and verve Moura has shown will continue to earn him minutes.

Number 6: Harry Kane (+2)

Harry Kane had a stinker against City but came back with a solid effort against the Gunners. Scoring again, he now has 10 goals in as many games against Spurs’ north London rivals. Soon he will likely be the all-time leading scorer in the rivalry, which is astounding considering how much football is still in front of him. While the penalty was well taken, it was the effort off the ball, and in defense, that really galvanized his side in the NLD. For Spurs press to work, Kane must be the tip of the spear. That doesn’t mean jogging behind passing; it means exerting energy, hustling to close out defenders. That was a hallmark of young Kane and was part of what made him great. Let’s hope he continues to remember that because it makes him, and more importantly the team, much better.

Number 5: Christian Eriksen (+2)

Another player who was essentially absent versus City but turned out against Arsenal was Christian Eriksen. The goal was typical grafting work coming from some smart football. You are not in the right place at the right time as much as Eriksen is for Tottenham by accident. Now that we know the Dane is with Spurs until at least January, hopefully we can see some of his best football, particularly with injuries continually mounting.

Number 4: Tanguy Ndombele (-3)

It seemed we were just getting used to seeing Tanguy Ndombele, enjoying his efforts when he got injured. Yes, there may be some level of double standard here with Ndombele to miss two games and only drop three places, but his form before his injury was that much better than the rest of the team’s. He is clearly a difference maker and let’s hope this strain was a little blip and not a harbinger of things to come.

Number 3: Toby Alderweireld (+3)

As I said with the first ranking, Toby Alderweireld is not playing his best football yet. That said, he is so darn consistent it is hard to say anything negative about his performances. His role at times is almost like a sweeper for Tottenham, clearing away crosses and entry passes. Toby uses his experience and understanding of the game to make things look easy, because he is where he is supposed to be. We haven’t seen enough of his array of long balls, but the season is still young.

Number 2: Erik Lamela (+1)

Erik Lamela is almost Tottenham in a microcosm. At times incredibly talented, entertaining, and effective and at others, totally disappointing. When the Argentine is healthy he plays hard and when he plays hard he typically plays well. The yellow card he picked up against Arsenal inhibited that effectiveness just a bit and he was lucky to avoid a second yellow when he attempted to grab an Arsenal shirt. That said, Lamela has been one of Spurs’ most consistent and effective performers on the season and the rough start would be even worse without Lamela’s exploits.

Number 1: Hugo Lloris (+1)

Leading by example for Tottenham Hotspur, Hugo Lloris, who has yet to record a clean sheet this season, has unquestionably been Spurs’ best player. Although he has conceded six goals already this season, none have been his fault. He leads the league with 19 saves, conveying all you need to know. Lloris almost committed a costly blunder with his feet, but overall he is up to the challenge of playing out from the back.