Antonio Conte says Tottenham Hotspur have two 10s and one 9

During his pre-Norwich presser, Antonio Conte was asked to clarify a previous point about Heung-Min Son and went on to say Tottenham has two 10s and a nine. 

As happens with any new coach at any new club, there is rampant speculation regarding the futures and roles of different players. Apparently at some point during the week Conte mentioned that Spurs star Heung-Min Son was not a striker and not an option to back up Harry Kane.

Given Son has been the defacto backup most of the last five seasons, Son not backing up Kane is a break from the norm for Spurs and required clarification. A happy Conte, following Spurs 2-0 win over Brentford, was more than happy to provide that clarification in his presser and clarify several roles on the team.

Tottenham have two number 10s

Conte noted that in the system the team is playing they have two number 10s who for Conte are two strikers. Different football fans may consider the 10 the attacking midfielder and playmakers but clearly, Conte considers the number 10 role the more offensive-minded forward or second-striker position.

Moreover, Spurs have two number 10s and Conte quickly noted that the 10s are very offensive, players like Sonny and Lucas, with others like Dele Alli, Giovani Lo Celso, Steven Bergwijn, or Bryan Gil behind those two. Of the bunch, it is Sonny who is clearly the best and according to Conte a really, really good player.

Spurs are also playing with a number 9

As a point of clarification between the roles and responsibilities on the pitch, Conte did differentiate Harry Kane from this other group. Of the 10s, Spurs are playing with two strikers according to Conte but also “with a number nine that is Kane as a point of reference”.

It was after making this point, this demarcation in the sand that Conte went on to talk about Sony and Lucas being the two strikers with Bergwijn and the bunch backing the two starters up.

This distinction is important as it helps to clarify the need that Spurs have for a true backup to Harry Kane. While Conte has indicated Bergwijn could backup Kane the need is clear, for Conte’s system to work, you need a strong number nine, and Spurs have a great one but one is not enough.