The center-half position was one that saw more transition than most in the summer but questions remain if Tottenham has the depth they need.
The rebuild at Tottenham Hotspur was more of a scalpel trimming and slicing than it was an ax making major changes. Outside of goalkeeper, the one position that saw some real change for Tottenham Hotspur was one that needed it, the center-back position.
With two permanent departures – Juan Foyth and Toby Alderweireld – one new addition – Cristian Romero – and one late loan out – Cameron Carter-Vickers, the overall position is one in flux, although there has been real consistency in the team to start the Premier League season.
Dier and Sanchez better than we remember?
To start the season Nuno Espirito Santo has not really changed the pieces in the middle of the defense, with Colombian Davinson Sanchez filling in for the departed Alderweireld, next to the returning Eric Dier.
The organization of the players around Dier and Sanchez has allowed the pair to play with more confidence and better positioning. The result has been a more stout defense, which has allowed fewer looks and big opportunities at the goal. Spending less time covering for others out of position has also led to fewer fouls in bad spots on the pitch.
Both are reliable passers and decent enough in the air Dier and Sanchez still have their weaknesses but are better than average defenders. If their mistakes can be kept to a minimum and they are allowed to breathe a bit more than last season, Dier and Sanchez can do a good job for Spurs weekly.
Rodon and Romero give Tottenham real depth
Although he has yet to feature due to injuries this season, it is safe to assume the Joe Rodon has a big part to play in the Tottenham defense this season. Like DIer, Rodon is the one natural center-half who can play on the left-hand side, as he has done at times for Wales. Rodon can also play on the right but given the signing of Romero, the left is likely Rodon’s home moving forward.
Joe s big, strong, fast, and willing to put his body on the line as he showed last season for Tottenham. What Rodon is lacking are experience and consistent fitness. If the Welshman can find his fitness, his ability will bring him minutes both out and eventually in the league.
Cristian Romero was the big signing of the summer for Tottenham Hotspur defensively. Technically on loan, Romero was the kind of marquee acquisition a new football director like Fabio Paratici really wanted to make.
This is the second time Paratici has signed Romero, having brought him to Juventus before loaning him to Atalanta, Romero seemed like the likely starter on the right side of the center-back pairing. However, Davinson Sanchez has clearly shown he is not just handing his position to another South American.
Good on the ball, strong in the air, willing to tackle and run up and down the pitch, there is little Romero cannot do. That said, like Sanchez, Romero is not the strongest on the left and is more comfortable in the middle of a back three than anything.
With Rodon and Romero Tottenham have good cover and maybe even the future starters signed from the last two summers. Those two along with Dier and Sanchez should give the Spurs the depth they need, barring injuries of course.