Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Fulham in Premier League

By Aaron Coe

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Tottenham,
Tottenham, /

Tottenham Starting Midfield

During this rough stretch it has been the Tottenham midfield that has let the team down the most as the group has gone MIA for long stretches in terms of any link-up play or attacking prowess. Some of this is due to a mismatch between system and personnel. If only 1 of your midfielders is really suited to excel in the formation, maybe the formation should change. While that talk is for another day, there is no doubt, Spurs need to find some help for Højbjerg and get more consistent minutes from Tanguy Ndombele. Most of all the midfield needs a spark.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (DM)

Pierre Højbjerg starting right now is as given as Harry Kane, however his game has gone down a couple notches from the first six to eight matches of the season. Højbjerg is at times working too hard on the back end offensively and receiving too many passes as a center back. Højbjerg needs to be more forward and serve as a true midfielder with his passing and make the passes forward shorter for himself and others. Possibly doing too much and wearing down, but replacements are in short supply.

Tanguy Ndombele (DM)

To get more support for Højbjerg, you need someone who is going to receive the ball under pressure and be able to move it forward against that pressure via dribble or pass. Currently, there is no one on Spurs doing this better than Tanguy Ndombele. Ndombele would prefer to play in a more advanced role and may be even better in that role but given the options and what it is Spurs need, possession, passing, and playmaking; Ndombele must get the call. Winks had a chance, Lo Celso is hurt, and Sissoko is more effective and useful as a utility substitute, Mourinho needs his best XI and that means Ndombele sits a bit deeper.

Dele Alli (CAM)

Maybe it smells of desperation or maybe this has all been part of the master plan all along or maybe Dele just needs to up his value before being sold to PSG. Regardless, Tottenham need to play with verve and attitude. There are few on the team that bring the attitude more than Dele Alli. Ideally, Dele is ready to prove something to someone and can put together a good run of games as Spurs desperately need someone to help hold the ball and create for the team. After four games without a win, maybe it is time to see if Dele or even his brother can do better than what we have seen.