While each player is partially responsible for Tottenham’s climb up the Premier League table, five in particular have enjoyed a more influential impact.
Antonio Conte has gotten the best out of most his current crew, with a number of players exceeding expectations under the new gaffer’s direction. Spurs have climbed from ninth to sixth in the standings and sit just two points adrift of fourth place.
These five players have heavily impacted proceedings and are, as a collective, one of the primary reasons Tottenham find themselves within striking distance of a place in the top four.
5. Pierre Højbjerg
The beastly Dane hasn’t changed much under Conte’s stewardship, such is the nature of his unerring consistency. Anchoring the midfield with a rugged determination and tireless work rate, Højbjerg is a beacon of reliability. The number five spot on this list was a toss up between the dogged Dane and his central midfield partner, Oliver Skipp. Both deserve to be in the top five, but there’s only room for one.
Højbjerg’s role hasn’t shifted since Conte took charge. His presence on the pitch is as important as ever, with Tottenham relying on his uncanny ability to read the play and make life miserable for the opposition. He is chipping in more offensively this season too, a massive bonus for a Spurs side in need of secondary scoring. Højbjerg scored the equalizer against Leeds on Sunday, Nov. 21, in an eventual 2-1 Tottenham win. The importance of that goal cannot be overstated, as it was the first goal under the new Conte regime and acted as a catalyst. The Lilywhites haven’t looked back since. He is perpetually one of the first players on any coach’s team list, which won’t change under Conte’s stewardship.
4. Harry Kane
Even though Harry Kane still isn’t firing on all cylinders, his influence on the side is becoming more impactful each week. Kane has bagged three goals in his last four top flight encounters and, had it not been for a curious VAR offside decision, would have notched the winner against Southampton last week. His influence, of course, is never wholly inclusive of his goal-scoring record.
The relationship between Harry Kane and Antonio Conte is ‘more than good’. When he joined Spurs, Conte immediately told Kane that he was the centre of his project. Key player. Untouchable. ⚪️ #THFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 26, 2021
…one of the reasons why Spurs director Fabio Paratici wanted Conte at any cost. pic.twitter.com/X2SVkYQUEa
He contributes in countless other ways and you can slowly but surely see the light in his game returning. Considerably more fit than he was under Nuno, Kane appears to be on the verge of recapturing his vintage-best form. For Tottenham to have any chance of securing a Champions League spot, Kane must find the goal-scoring form that led him to three Golden Boots. With Kane and Conte’s relationship continually strengthening, England’s captain will return to top form soon, which will almost assuredly coincide with Tottenham finding full flight.
3. Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura is thriving under Conte’s leadership. He has repaid the faith his gaffer has shown in him in spades. Conte is a massive advocate of Moura’s, with the Italian gaffer singing his praises each week. Conte loves working with the Brazilian, whom he says is a consummate, total professional. Moura is a humble, genuine character who works tirelessly to improve and always has an upbeat, positive attitude.
He leaves his ego at the door and selflessly contributes for the good of the club. Which has translated to some outstanding performances. Moura has two goals and three assists in six starts under Conte. Moura, who scored one and set up two, was Tottenham’s standout player in the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace. Under Conte, the Brazilian is showing the consistency Tottenham supporters have yearned for since his arrival from PSG almost three years ago.
2. Eric Dier
Nothing pleases Tottenham supporters more than seeing Eric Dier’s return to relevance. The Englishman endured one of the most challenging periods of any Tottenham player. Plagued by injury and sickness, Dier struggled to recover for an extended period before being offered a new lease on life under then-manager Jose Mourinho. That green patch under Mourinho was short-lived, though, as Dier repeatedly cost his side points thanks to a pre-disposition to needless errors.
Since Conte’s arrival, Dier has played his best football in years and it’s showing. Conte is a huge backer of Dier’s, saying he has all the tools needed to become one of the world’s best centre backs. Yes, we’ve heard this song before, but it feels different this time. Dier hasn’t missed a minute of Premier League action since Conte was named manager, and is one of the most integral players to Spurs’ success. He marshals a back three that has only conceded four goals in eight unbeaten matches, a run that includes five clean sheets.
1. Son Heung-min
It’s almost impossible to think of Tottenham Hotspur without turning your thoughts to Son Heung-min. Son is Tottenham’s most valuable player, an astonishing thought considering the Korean still hasn’t reached full flight this season. Sonny wears his heart on his sleeve and selflessly devotes everything to the club he adores. The feeling is mutual, as Sonny has endeared himself to every Tottenham supporter worldwide. The South Korean is a manager’s dream. He never complains, works his socks off no matter what is asked of him, is a consummate professional and contributes solid offensive numbers, even when he’s not at his best.
Son has eight goals this season and is the club’s top scorer. He is also tops the offensive production charts since Conte’s arrival, scoring four goals and assisting three in eight matches. Imagine what this man will accomplish when he, like Kane, returns to his ruthless, clinical best.