Tottenham projected XI as Spurs host Crystal Palace in the EPL
By Aaron Coe
![Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) and Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Japhet Tanganga engage in a confrontation during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on September 11, 2021. ((Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) and Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Japhet Tanganga engage in a confrontation during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on September 11, 2021. ((Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/091e52f0cd5b546d66a84db4c0bb16ce913bdd9a3792e57c3bb58717e4e035ff.jpg)
Spurs projected defence
At this point under Antonio Conte, there is not a lot of surprise with the backline for Tottenham Hotspur. We know there are going to be three players defending and more likely than not two are going to be Eric Dier and Ben Davies, as Conte looks to build on a solid foundation.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Contract years do different things to different athletes. Some athletes step up in the last year of their contract and earn more money while others shrink away from the opportunity to capitalize on what may come next. At this point in the season, Hugo Lloris is more the former than the latter as Spurs captain has been outstanding, particularly since Conte took over. With clean sheets in three out of his five league games under Conte, Lloris looks like a man ready to be paid one last time.
Right-back – Davinson Sanchez
With new dad Cristian Romero still out injured, Davinson Sanchez gets the call at right back. Sanchez – like many players in the club – has been steadily improving since Conte’s arrival and again looks confident in defence. Not necessarily built for a three-man back-line Sanchez is doing his part.
Centre-back – Eric Dier
Another player who has drastically improved under Antonio Conte is Eric Dier. Generally outstanding under Conte, Dier did hand West Ham their lone goal in the Carabao Cup mid-week but otherwise was again a steady player. Playing within himself most of the time, Dier’s leadership and passing range have been vital to the team’s success under Conte thus far.
Left-back – Ben Davies
Whereas Sanchez may or may not be uniquely suited to play in a back-three, Ben Davies sure is. Davies has been outstanding since Conte’s arrival playing exclusively at left-back and doing very well. Davies has partnered well with both Sergio Reguilón and Ryan Sessegnon and looks comfortable and composed in the system, which was not two words used to previous describe Davies.