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How Conte will Can Solve Tottenham’s Attacking Midfielder Problem

By Justin Cober-Lake

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after Manchester United score their third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after Manchester United score their third goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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When Nuno Espirito Santo took Lucas Moura off the pitch Saturday, he essentially sealed his own fate at Tottenham Hotspur.

Fans booed and jeered as Steven Bergwijn came on to replace him. Moura hadn’t done much throughout the game, but at least he consistently plays with heightened energy that has otherwise been lacking in the past two seasons. If fans are quick to support Lucas (and not only because of that famous Champions League semifinal), they’re also right to realize that his play wasn’t the problem against United.

Most fans, seeing Bergwijn poised to come on, probably expected him to come in for midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. Lo Celso had performed poorly throughout the game. The team hasn’t gotten any consistent production or creativity out of a number 10. Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli, as always, have shown glimpses of something exciting, but haven’t maintained an elite level. As Spurs’ attack has stalled, that attacking midfielder role has noticeably been stuck in the mud.

Spurs have a few options with their current personnel:

Harry Kane could move into the role, though an unlikely option considering Conte’s desire to have the talisman in the opposing box as much as humanly possible.

Son Heung-min could also move into the role. He’s been impressive as a striker, so situating him as a central force in support of Kane makes sense. He would bring excitement and pace to the position. Though Conte might prefer to employ Tanguy Ndombele at the side’s go-to No. 10, at least initially anyway.

Next. Why hiring Conte is a watershed moment. dark

Tottenham, under their new maestro at the helm, has to find a way to penetrate with far greater efficiency. Conte is a huge advocate of incisive play, knowing that deliberate, quick, and direct passing is the best way to create opportunities. Whoever is installed as the club’s No. 10 will be expected to create bundles of opportunities through a direct, high-tempo style of play. Tanguy will probably get the first kick of the No. 10 can under Conte, but who knows whether he’ll have what it takes to hold onto the coveted role.