Three risks Conte is taking with his Tottenham squad

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and Vitesse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 04, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and Vitesse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 04, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 21: Sergio Reguilon of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 21: Sergio Reguilon of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

Conte’s Gamble 2: Tottenham wing-backs can deliver the goods

At first, it looked like both Sergio Reguilon, and Emerson Royal were natural fits for the wing-back position under Conte. However, after several months it appears neither is a perfect fit for the system. Many assumed Adama Traore or some other player would come in during the window and bolster the options out wide.

That move for support on the flanks never materialized, and now Spurs have to make do with what they have got. Both Reguilon and Royal could be excellent for the next several years under Conte, but both need to work on different parts of their respective games.

Reguilon needs to improve defensively and work on his discipline on and off the ball. A very emotional player, Reguilon can get dragged into skirmishes; he would do best to leave alone. With a skill set that does fit, some good, challenging coaching from Conte should get Reggie there, and if not, Ryan Sessegnon is a decent enough alternative.

Royal may require a bit more seasoning before he is Achraf Hakimi. It might do us well to remember Hakimi struggled himself and bounced around before exploding under Conte’s leadership. By not making a move for additional cover on either flank, it speaks to the confidence the club has in their players and the belief that they can improve like the team needs them to do.