The gulf between Tottenham’s best and worst players this season is more discernible than pinpointing a giant amongst a row of dwarfs.
That arresting disparity is one of the main contributing factors to Tottenham’s recent Premier League rot. The top six performers are playing at a level far superior to the rest of the crew. But even Tottenham’s cream of the crop are not immune to occasional haphazard outings, seemingly playing down to the level of this season’s perennial underachievers.
The underperforming list, though, is for another day. In sequential order, here are Tottenham’s top five high achievers, those who are relied upon every week to put in an impressive shift. We all know what happens if they don’t.
5. Sergio Reguilón
It’s no coincidence that the lion’s share of Spurs most recent slump – losing five of six – coincided with Sergio Reguilón’s injury absence. Tottenham’s loss to West Ham on the weekend was the only one occurring with him in the side. The Spaniard is one of Spurs bright spots this season, his playing style perfectly reflecting the mold of a modern wing back.
Reguilón’s speed, movement and crossing precision have highlighted his impressive form since arriving on loan from the Spanish capital. While his offensive prowess is his most prominent feature, the 24-year-old isn’t at all deficient defensively. Reguilón can also play in a more advanced role, but is strongest as a wing back in a conventional back four. His return to the side should accompany an uptick in the club’s overall form.
Reports unfortunately point to the Spaniard returning to Madrid at the end of the season, as it’s where the player’s heart lies. He has stated as much, though his allegiance to his parent club hasn’t affected his performances in North London. If the conjecture becomes reality, it will be a shame to see him go. Until then, enjoy what Sergio has to offer on both sides of the ball, as he continually puts forth tenacious, high-energy and committed performances.
4. Tanguy Ndombele
Tanguy is a talented enigma starting to show what he is capable of in a Tottenham shirt. He is certainly Tottenham’s most improved player from last season. The Frenchman is comfortable as a No. 8 while also thriving in a more advanced No. 10 role. He’s a man for theatrics as a collage of his embellishments indicate, but there is no denying his outrageous talent.
One of the league’s best in tight quarters, Tanguy can spin on a dime. He is also showing an increasingly crafty touch in front of goal. The Frenchman’s odds-defying lob against Sheffield United is a candidate for goal of the season.
It’s gratifying to see Ndombele blossom after enduring such difficulty assimilating to the Premier league last season. He’s definitely not immune to an off day at the office, as he still has trouble executing consistently at the highest level. That should come with time, though.
Within a whisker of leaving Tottenham prematurely, Daniel Levy can thank his lucky stars the prospective sale never quite formulated. What a difference a year can make, as Ndombele is now happily settled in the capital and has no intention of looking for opportunities elsewhere.
3. Son Heung-Min
The only thing about this selection that might come as a bit of surprise is Sonny not being amongst the top two performers. The South Korean is, irrefutably, enjoying another wonderful campaign, scoring 13 goals while adding six helpers. He and Harry Kane continually build on their rare telepathic understanding, the dynamic duo easily the Premier League’s most prolific tandem.
Son’s recent barren goalscoring patch is the primary reason he has dropped down to No. 3 on the top five list. Unsurprisingly his drought — a streak consisting of only one goal in eight Premier League encounters — has, like Regulion’s absence, coincided with Tottenham’s two-month slump.
Son hasn’t had things his own way in the last two months. Usually a tireless physical specimen, it appears, based on a few uncharacteristic subpar performances, that fatigue is finally starting to negatively affect Son’s performances. Relied on heavily to consistently provide goals and assists, Son isn’t getting the offensive support he requires, which has clearly contributed to his recent languid displays.
But take nothing away from Son, who is always one of the first to be etched on Jose Mourinho’s team sheet. His commitment, desire and devotion to Tottenham will never be in question. He bleeds Lilywhite and will definitely recover from the slump he is currently ensnared.
2. Pierre Højbjerg
Pierre Højbjerg is the kind of player you build championship-winning teams around. He’s captain material and, if Harry Kane leaves for pastures anew, should be considered as Spurs next official leader.
The dogged Dane never complains, even though he has every right to. Protecting mistake prone, erratic central defenders is a thankless and unenviable task. But Højbjerg does it without so much as a dismayed utterance. He’s a throwback to the days of Roy Keane and Patrick Viera, an out-and-out defensive midfielder whose rabid tenacity and physicality matches his acute understanding of the game.
Højbjerg is also, to everyone’s gratification, an incredibly handy footballer. Sure, he isn’t expected to score more than a few times a season, but he is poised, confident and reliable in possession. He sprays the ball around accurately with intent, never hesitating to play the direct pass.
Imagine how good Højbjerg would be a with a top central defensive partnership to support his plight. Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez have left Højbjerg in the lurch on innumerable occasions, giving the perception that the Dane isn’t, at times, proficiently doing his job. Rest assured, he is.
Tottenham have allowed the joint-sixth fewest goals in the Premier League. That simply wouldn’t be possible without Højbjerg’s immense contribution. Dier, Sanchez and Hugo Lloris are all mistake machines, committing repeated howlers that make the dedicated Dane look bad. Don’t be fooled; he is one of, if not the best defensive central midfielder in the Premier League.
And he will eventually take Tottenham to a new and unmatched level.
1. Harry Kane
Unequivocally and always Tottenham’s most prized possession, Harry Kane takes poll position. Spurs are an entirely different and inferior team without him in the team. Kane doesn’t just lead by the astronomical numbers he produces. He leads by example week in and week out. Even if things aren’t going his way, Kane puts in a shift every time he’s on the pitch.
Tottenham’s talisman has bagged 13 goals (joint fourth on the top goalscorers’ list) and has added 11 assists, sitting atop the Premier League list, one ahead of Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
He is a sensation like no other, an allrounder every wanted by every top team. And they will do what they need to make it happen. Of course his recurring ankle injuries are reason for great concern, as one wonders how long he can play at an elite level considering his disconcerting vulnerabilities.
I can’t imagine life at Spurs without Kane; top goalscorer and top assist getter. He does everything and can never be replaced, no matter the price tag he’s eventually sold for. Oh, and did I mention he just surpassed Bobby Smith as the club’s second highest goalscorer.
Kane has scored 156 Premier League goals with Tottenham and now trails the venerated Alan Shearer by 104 goals. He is still on pace to surpass Shearer by his 31st birthday, if, and only if, he stays in the Premier League.
Honourable Mention — Erik Lamela
The enigma that is Erik Lamela surprises, frustrates, impresses and inspires. He has endured more ups and downs in his eight years at Tottenham than any other player. Injuries have plagued his progression, consistently hampering the Argentinian’s overall success.
One day he is the team’s best player, the next he looks more equipped playing on a relegation side. But Lamela, since returning to the first team after recovering from yet another injury, has been quietly exceptional. His lack of goals is as infuriating as it is puzzling, but Lamela has done his utmost in trying to make up for that deficiency.
His commitment to the cause is second to none, comparing to the likes of Kane, Son and Hojberg. He should, arguably, be ahead of Regulion in this particular pecking order. But he can’t score goals, a major concern. Though you have to give him credit for the way he continually overcomes adversity.