Three main causes for Tottenham’s Premier League slump
By Gary Pearson
3. Sergio Reguilón’s absence
Sergio Reguilón’s injury absence unsurprisingly coincided with the Tottenham’s recent Premier League downfall. His return to the side last week ended up in defeat to West Ham, but one can blame that on rustiness, a discernible lack of match fitness.
While I have nothing against Ben Davies, who filled in admirably during Reguilón’s time on the treatment table, the Welshman doesn’t measure up to the innumerable benefits Reguilón brings.
The Spaniard’s speed and skill allows him to maraud forward in possession, taking the pressure off of Spurs rearguard. He is one of Tottenham’s top performers so far this season, and for good reason.
His crosses are also hugely advantageous. The loanee from Real Madrid more often than not whips in delightfully teasing crosses, challenging even the most aerial proficient defenders. Those crosses put opposing defenders on the back foot, facilitating chances for Tottenham, who scored just three goals — two of which against lowly West Brom — in the five matches he missed. In fact Tottenham were shutout in three of five matches without Reguilón’s services.
Most of Reguilón’s key contributions come on the offensive side of the ball. He is an out-and-out wingback, a perfect embodiment of the modern role. His defensive numbers are middling, if not disappointing. Reguilón has lost more duels and aerial challenges than he has won. But that’s not why he’s in the team. He offers a vital lifeline for Spurs in possession. Consistently providing an outlet, Reguilón ability to play on the front foot decreases the pressure on the back line, a slightly unheralded, yet decisive element to Spurs’ overall success.