As Antonio Conte assesses his new team, there are few players whose futures at Tottenham are in serious doubt.
It will take Conte some time to know who he wants to offload in order to strengthen his team. He’ll already have an inkling but will want to makes sure he gives players on the chopping block a chance to prove themselves before they’re discarded.
Here’s the players on Conte’s last-chance-saloon list:
1. Dele Alli
No surprise here. Dele Alli’s career has been deteriorating at Tottenham even before Jose Mourinho came onto the scene. The Englishman’s market value has plummeted. Once one of the world’s most coveted assets, Dele’s fall from grace has been well documented. Though that hans’t made it any easier to bear witness to.
Conte vows Dele will be given a shot to reignite his Tottenham career, but one has to wonder if the oft-lazy midfielder will be able to assimilate to the gaffer’s high-intensity, physically relentless brand of football. If he doesn’t adapt quickly, Dele’s time at Tottenham will come to a crashing and disappointing end.
2. Steven Bergwijn
A lot of people probably won’t agree with Steven Bergwijn being on the chopping-block list, especially as the Dutchman’s contract runs until the end of the 2025 season. Bergwijn has a lot going for him. He’s quick, athletic and hard-working, attributes Conte will appreciate dearly.
However, all of those positives simply cannot make up for his lack of offensive contribution. The 24-year-old has scored four goals in 60 appearances. He has failed to live up to the lofty expectations his signing came with. After a dream debut against Manchester City, Bergwijn has consistently disappointed. You can be sure he’ll always put forth a full-blooded effort. Unfortunately that doesn’t cut it when you’re paid to score goals.
3. Davinson Sanchez
Davinson Sanchez was given a fair crack during Jose Mourinho’s reign. The Colombian’s erratic, unreliable and mistake-prone play guaranteed his seat on the bench. Conte cannot stand for defenders who are both unsure positionally and on the ball. Conte is in the market for another ball-playing centre back, and Sanchez is the first name on the chopping block.
Eric Dier’s performances have improved since Conte took charge, with the Italian gaffer seemingly favouring the Englishman, thanks to his ability on the ball. Though Dier himself is not completely out of the woods yet. A few more miserable, game-defining mistakes could see his name return to Conte’s hit list.
4. Harry Winks
Dropped by Jose Mourinho like a sack of potatoes, Harry Winks has yet been able to regain prominence at Spurs. His confidence has taken a seemingly irreparable shot in the arm. If anyone can re-inject the Englishman with the confidence he needs to return to a semblance of his former self, Conte can.
But rest assured, if Winks doesn’t show drastic improvement, and quickly, he’ll quickly find himself with a one-way ticket out of north London. I think too much damage is already done, but hopefully Winks proves me wrong and finds a way to once again challenge for a spot in Tottenham’s starting 11.
5. Matt Doherty
The Irishman doesn’t have the quality Conte needs from his wingbacks. Matt Doherty enjoyed a successful stint under former manager Nuno at Wolves, but Conte’s expectations are on a different level.
Doherty has struggled to gain a foothold since joining from Wolves and won’t fair well under Conte either. He isn’t athletic or fast enough and is also lumbered in possession. While the Irishman is willing to commit and put in the hard yards, his lack of quality will seal his fate.
Honourable Mentions: Tanguy Ndombele and Giovanni Lo Celso
These two names might be perceived as controversial. Both players certainly have a role to play in Conte’s team. However, are they well-rounded enough and do they tick all the boxes Conte is looking for in a preferred advanced midfielder?
Ndombele has superstar potential, though he is blighted by an unwillingness to put in the hard yards and commit fully to the cause. He embellishes far too often and can be physically dominated by players who have the will to battle. Tanguy has never proven himself against elite teams, an extremely worrying development. He has the talent to thrive but the looming question Conte will soon find out the answer to: Does he have the character to fully devote himself to Conte’s physically rigorous and demanding system?
On the other hand, there is no questioning Lo Celso’s commitment and dedication. The Argentine leaves everything on the field and knows exactly what it takes to be a respected professional. Unfortunately Lo Celso’s quality in front of goal has let him down. Not nearly clinical or ruthless enough, Lo Celso’s fate at Tottenham depends on whether he can locate an elusive offensive touch. Without it, I fear the worst for the Argentine.