Tottenham Hotspur is a team very much in transition as Fabio Paratici works to rebuild the squad in a new image. While there is still much work to be done, there have been a few pleasant surprises thus far showing some real promise for the rest of the Tottenham season. Here are three surprises that have been good for the team.
Tottenham have found their defensive midfielder of the future
Tottenham Hotspur has struggled to find the right defensive midfielder since Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele left N17. Pierre Hojbjerg looked to be the real replacement last season but the Viking has struggled as a lone defensive midfielder, meaning Spurs have needed more than just Hojbjerg protecting the backline, enter Oliver Skipp.
After a great loan for Norwich in the Championship last season, most knew Oliver Skipp was going to have a role with Tottenham Hotspur this season, however, just how big of a role likely few knew. Skipp has been the most consistent of the Tottenham midfield this season, most of all because he understands his job and his limitations and stays within both.
Skipp is rarely out of position from protecting the backline and is always willing to make the necessary tackle to break up play and help the team. Skipp’s ability on the ball has been solid, with his passing range and clear confidence with the ball that is growing week-to-week.
As has been noted here at HotspurHQ, Skipp is clearly key to the team’s success and should be a fixture in the midfield moving forward. At just 21, to already been nearly undroppable speaks to the future Skipp has with this team.
Continued…
From weakness to strength at right-back
Prior to the season, we knew right-back was an issue for Tottenham Hotspur. However, it should now be clear that if there is one position Tottenham is now set for the next 5 years, it is right fullback.
To start the season Japhet Tanganga moved out wide and was just awesome. His physicality with attackers helped to slow the opposition and protect the center-halves. As a player who defends first, like Skipp, Tanganga is rarely out of position and helps keep the team balanced. The defender’s work against Raheem Sterling to open the season was particularly good.
If only Tanganga had stepped up at the position this year, Spurs would still be better off, however, there is a second right-back who has made the position a real strength for Tottenham Hotspur.
Emerson Royal seems to split some opinions a bit but as a 21-year-old who is playing in the Premier League for the first time, it is obvious Royal is the real deal.
More offensively-minded than Tanganga, Emerson should provide some real attacking force for the team moving forward. A nearly perfect foil for Tanganga, Emerson is aggressive, big, and physical but not quite the defender Japhet is, whereas Tanganga does not provide quite as much in attack as does the Brazilian.
While a backup or even a second striker was probably a bigger need for Tottenham heading into the transfer window, the opportunity to get Royal was too good to pass up, and as a result, Spurs seem set for years to come at a position that was a weakness just a few months ago.
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With a bit less pressure than last season, Eric Dier is a real defensive leader
Last season was a difficult one for Eric Dier. From early in the season – as Dier was wrongfully hit with a handball in the box costing Spurs two points against Newcastle – to late in the season as Dier was not clearing balls many felt he should, the English defender was often to blame for Spurs defensive lapses.
However, as Tottenham has been a bit more attack-minded this season and under a bit less strain defensively, Dier has again shown to be a competent defender.
No, Eric Dier is not the most talented Tottenham center-back, that is likely Cristian Romero but Dier is definitely the best leader and the most consistent of the group. It was no coincidence that it was when Dier was injured and recovering that the defense struggled the most for Spurs this season, like the Chelsea match after Dier was withdrawn.
As the year goes on and Dier grows more comfortable playing with Romero, we should expect Spurs defence to stiffen up and become a top unit. Not a fan favorite and not the first name on the teamsheet, Dier brings the leadership and steadiness the defense needs and he should continue to improve.
While there has not been a ton to be really excited about for Tottenham, the emergence of Oliver Skipp, the solidification of the right-back position, and the return of steady play from Eric Dier are all things the team and fans can hang their hat on, as Spurs look to move in a positive direction.