Familiar Names for Tottenham Hotspur Group Stage Opening XI

Tottenham Midfielders

Harry Winks (CM) – Winks played only a small part in the Sunday draw with the Hammers, but his poor touch and inability to clear the ball right at the end of the game led directly to the Lanzini shot heard around London. Winks needs an opportunity to right the ship and prove himself. Additionally, the options at the back end of the midfield are limited in general as most of the midfield talent is better suited further up the pitch.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (CM) – An almost automatic on the team sheet now Pierre-Emile Højbjerg makes a world of difference in the team. He allows attacking players to push forward and helps protect his back line behind him. While Sissoko was solid Sunday, Højbjerg is the best back of the midfield option in the squad and should pretty much start every match, barring injury.

Tanguy Ndombele (CAM) – There was a stark difference in Tottenham Hotspur before and after Gareth Bale came on the pitch Sunday and it had nothing to do with Bale and everything to do with Ndombele. Tanguy has really grown into Jose’s system and is the one creative player capable of playing just about any ball at any time and everyone on the pitch knows it. Therefore, you see Spurs sprint and raise their hand every time he gets the ball and the defensive back pedal and square up. Gio Lo Celso will hopefully get some minutes to knock off the rust, but Ndombele should be the key cog in the midfield.