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Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for the north London Derby

By Aaron Coe

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Harry Kane, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp, Davinson Sánchez, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on September 22, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Harry Kane, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp, Davinson Sánchez, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on September 22, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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anguy Ndombele of Tottenham, Flavien Tait of Rennes during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Stade Rennais and Tottenham Hotspur at Roazhon Park stadium on September 16, 2021
RENNES, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 16: Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham, Flavien Tait of Rennes during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Stade Rennais and Tottenham Hotspur at Roazhon Park stadium on September 16, 2021, in Rennes, France. (Photo by John Berry/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected midfield

Tottenham will hopefully go with the 4-3-3 formation and a three-man midfield, leaving three players committed to the attack. Assuming Nuno sticks with his three-man middle, here are those three.

Oliver Skipp – Defensive midfield

Oliver Skipp has been the starting defensive midfielder for Tottenham since day 1 this season and as the year has started to progress, it is clear why. Skipp is a solid defender who plays with great intelligence. His ability to break up play and protect the back-line has been a big part of Tottenham’s early success. Showing a bit more with the ball each match, Skipp should be playing every week.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Attacking midfielder

Pierre Hojbjerg is not a natural attacking midfielder, however, without a need to keep two holding midfielders in the side, the Dane has been doing more to push forward. More of a recycler than a distributor, Hojbjerg’s real value comes in his drive and leadership on both ends of the pitch.

Tanguy Ndombele – Attacking midfielder

After looking like a player sure to leave in the summer, Tanguy Ndombele has gotten a little slice of opportunity in the squad and is trying to grab it. Ndombele is unquestionably Tottenham’s most unique player, which is his ability to hold the ball under pressure. Although skill failed him a bit against Wolves, everyone loses the ball sometimes, especially when fouled. The North London Derby is the kind of game where a player can make a statement, Ndombele might just be that player on Sunday.