Jose Mourinho has vital decision to make in Tottenham’s midfield
By Gary Pearson
Jose Mourinho has deployed numerous pairings in the heart of Tottenham’s midfield, but which is the gaffer’s preferred duo?
Dier and Winks combo
Away to West Ham in his first match in charge, Mourinho paired Eric Dier and Harry Winks. Compatriots and wholly different players, Dier and Winks complement one another well. Winks sits slightly higher, responsible for swiftly transitioning his side from defence to attack. Winks’ principle asset is his ability to ping the ball just about anywhere on the ground with accuracy and pace.
He isn’t, however, known for his ability to pick out a long ball, something the diminutive Englishman is working on. Winks, as seen at times for Tottenham but more so with the Three Lions, is continually getting better at driving forward with the ball at his feet. But that aspect of his game is still a work in progress. He is slightly more conservative, oftentimes playing the ball laterally.
The compatriots understand each other’s best attributes. This combo is great to turn to when Tottenham need dearly to hold possession, as Winks is suited perfectly to retain the ball.
While they haven’t played together a lot in England’s first team, it’s a pairing that has limitless potential. But is it as good as other pairings?
Rating: joint-best pair
Ndombele and Winks combo
Tanguy Ndombele and Winks have paired up before. But neither is a puritan defensive midfielder. Neither is adept at protecting the back four in that specialized role. Ndombele is best when he can bomb forward and Winks, while a brilliant passer, isn’t meant to sit perpetually in front of the back four. His incredible mobility and agility are most effective when he is roaming from right to left, tracking down opposing midfielders higher up the pitch. He isn’t, like Eric Dier or Fabinho, an out-and-out defensive central midfielder.
For me this pairing doesn’t work and should only be used sparingly.
Rating: Use sparingly — Second from worst pairing
Winks and Sissoko combo
Similar to Ndombele and Winks, Sissoko and Winks doesn’t quite fit. Both players enjoy running with the ball at their feet, and neither are tailor-fitted to stay perpetually in front of the back four. While Sissoko has a knack for breaking up play, he is better as a complement to a bonafide central defensive midfielder, like Dier for example.
Winks and Sissoko aren’t on the same wavelength at all times when partnering each other. There is a slight disconnect, neither player knowing precisely what their role embodies. Both are great players, but shouldn’t be used as Tottenham’s top midfield pairing.
Rating: Use sparingly — 3rd best pairing
Dier and Sissoko
This pair competes with Dier and Winks for Spurs’ top duo in midfield. There is a common theme here. Dier, as a natural defender, needs to be a part of any Spurs midfield pairing. Sure, he needs to improve markedly his distribution, but Dier is sound positionally, never venturing too far from his two central defenders.
Dier and Sissoko complement one another wonderfully. Sissoko has a license to drive forward while Dier knows where his station is. Sissoko is gaining confidence going forward and is athletic and energetic enough to track back and harass the opposing midfield.
Right now it’s a coin toss between this pair and the Dier/Winks duo. They are dynamic, strong and reliable defensively. If there is a weakness, it’s their inability to play precise long balls. Dier can sometimes hit accurate long balls but isn’t consistent enough yet. When these two play together, expect Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen to take responsibility for bombing it accurately forward.
Rating: Joint-best pair
Sissoko and Ndombele
This combo is a definite no from me. Both players are too similar, each loving to drive forward in possession. High energy and tireless, both players shouldn’t be limited to staying perpetually in front of the back four. Both players want to roam, to stalk their prey.
It’s a pairing that should never be utilized as the two in Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 formation.