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Projected XI for Tottenham Hotspur at Burnley in the Premier League

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur hands Harry Kane the match ball after his hat-trick during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and NS Mura at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur hands Harry Kane the match ball after his hat-trick during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and NS Mura at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 30, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 30, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected defence

With Cristian Romero out for the foreseeable future, Conte has no choice but to dig a bit deeper into his defensive reserves. A group built for a back four but trying in a back three, the defence will likely be one of the first areas to get reinforcements.

Left-back – Ben Davies

The only naturally left-footed defender on the team – Reguilón and Sessegnon do not count – Ben Davies is the starter at left-back almost by default at this point. Seemingly a better fit for this role than either left-fullback or left-wingback at this point in his career, Davies may have a future yet with this side if he can play smart football, although an upgrade would be nice.

Centre-back – Eric Dier

Eric Dier played a big role in Spurs’ loss midweek but also had a big part to play in the team still being in the match. Dier brought new confidence to the defence that was needed midweek and seems to understand Conte’s system and approach well. His decision to dribble into the attacking half against pressure late in injury time only to lose the ball and the game will hopefully be something Dier learns from.

Right-back – Japhet Tanganga

Maybe the only player to actually play decent against Mura, Japhet Tanganga’s flexibility and his all-around game should get him a lot of minutes under Conte. Playing at least three different positions against Mura, we should expect Tanganga to really only play one against Burnley. Better going forward and with the ball at his feet than is Davinson Sanchez, Tanganga is another player who could really excel in this new system.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

Still, without a contract for next season, Hugo Lloris is still the club’s number one keeper. Pierluigi Gollini was utterly helpless on the two goals conceded against Mura and Lloris is still one of the best shot-stoppers in the world. The oldest and most experienced player on the team, Spurs need Lloris to step up and make big saves and really command the box as the defence still figures things out.