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Projecting first Ryan Mason Tottenham Hotspur starting XI

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lucas of Tottenham Hotspur with Carlos Vinicius of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Lucas of Tottenham Hotspur with Carlos Vinicius of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Starting Defense

We know Ryan Mason is an admirer of Mauricio Pochettino. However, one thing his first line-up will have that Pochettino’s last did not will be captain Hugo Lloris. Expect Lloris to be fronted by an experienced backline with some familiar names.

Lloris – Keeper

Hugo Lloris was injured when Pochettino was dismissed and Mourinho was brought on, so his leadership during this time will be a big plus. Lloris was one of the main senior players who heretofore seemed unwilling to agree to an extension on his deal that ends after next season. A more progressive team that gives Lloris less to do will go a long way toward bringing the captain back for more than 1 season.

Reguilón- Left-back

Sergio Reguilón gets the call almost by default at left-back with Ben Davies still recovering from injury. At the start of the season, it looked like Reguilón was going to be a star. However, the Spaniard was one of several Spurs whose performance dropped as the season went on. With a multi-year deal already on the books, we hope that the dip was just that, a dip.

Alderweireld – Left Center back

Toby Alderweireld should be returned to the starting line-up with Ryan Mason in charge. Alderweireld is the most experienced and frankly best defender on the team. Expect the team to try to find ways to leverage Toby’s long ball and keep him out of one-on-one situations. Toby is best as a help defender and a darn good one at that.

Rodon – Right Center Back

Joe Rodon seemed to be earning himself a more permanent role at Tottenham under Jose Mourinho. After a long period of waiting, Rodon has come on and brings a real spirit and energy to an otherwise tired defense. Rodon is going to make some mistakes but such are growing pains with a promising young defender.

Aurier – Right-back

Last we saw Serge Aurier on the field he was clearly part of the Mourinho out cliche. Some of the mistakes and plays we saw from the Ivory Coast captain were amateur even for Aurier. Expect a more professional and complete effort from Aurier, including some bombing up the flank, which has been seen less and less as the season has progressed.