Projecting first Ryan Mason Tottenham Hotspur starting XI

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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 27: Tanguy NDombele of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates with teammate Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on December 27, 2020 in Wolverhampton, England.. (Photo by Carl Recine – Pool/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Midfield

The real question with Tottenham right now is what will Ryan Mason do with the Tottenham midfield. Our hope is that he does something that we really did not see from Mourinho but thought we would, which is using just one holding midfielder and being progressive offensively. Against Southampton that is exactly what Spurs can do.

Højbjerg – Defensive Midfield

In an effort to get this team moving again and to frankly see if the man can do it, Ryan Mason should deploy Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as the lone defensive midfielder. The idea of having two defensive midfielders in front of four backs is simply excessive and something that automatically makes the team play deeper. Having Højbjerg hold down the fort in front of the backline is what he was bought to do, let’s see him do it.

Ndomble – Attacking Midfield

Tanguy Ndombele was developing as a second-holding midfielder for Tottenham under Jose Mourinho. However, the Frenchman is best in space in the attacking half of the pitch, something he was not getting enough of under the previous management. Expect to see Ndombele picking up spaces where Harry Kane has been often this season and looking to turn and make plays. Unlike Lamela, Moura, or Son and like Kane, expect Ndombele to look to make pass after turning, not just run with the ball.

Dele – Attacking Midfield

Having a difficult time determining if this will be Dele Alli or Giovani Lo Celso. Ultimately, Dele is the player that most needs to be unlocked in this team, as his play as a second striker adds something clearly missing right now. Dele had a nice start under Mourinho and hopefully can likewise get off to a nice start under Mason. Someone needs to step up, why not a familiar name.