Conte’s projected XI for Tottenham Hotspur trip to Leeds United
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham projected midfield
Had Spurs not shipped out all four attacking midfielders in the January transfer window, Conte could shift to a five-person midfield and avoid having just Harry Winks and Pierre Hojbjerg in the middle of the park. Although either Dejan Kulusevski or Lucas Moura could potentially play in that role giving Spurs five across the midfield, we think it is more likely Kulusevski is further up the pitch, particularly in possession.
Left wing-back – Sergio Reguilon
After making it to the bench in the last match, Sergio Reguilon is finally back in the starting XI. A bit of a knock and then an apparent bout with Covid – or at least the Covid protocols – kept Reguilon out of the last several Spurs games. Having the Spaniard and his forward aggression will help in Spurs’ attack. Ryan Sessegnon has done a job defensively but lacks the attack-mindedness of Reguilon, which Tottenham desperately needs.
Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg
With Bentancur and Skipp out, Conte has very few options in the midfield, although Pierre Hojbjerg would likely still be one with everyone available. Hojbjerg was very active in the middle third of the pitch against Burnley but did little to contribute offensively. Getting Hojbjerg to take more chances with the ball moving forward would help this team.
Central midfield – Harry Winks
Harry Winks got about in his 45 minutes against Burnley. Unlike many of the players on the team, Winks is willing to play a forward pass, just not as often as he should. However, Winks is typically a bit timid into the tackle and late on the rotation on the defensive end. Having this pairing for Leeds is not ideal.
Right wing-back – Emerson Royal
Many fans believe Spurs can upgrade this position, although Matt Doherty does not seem the likely answer. Thus Emerson Royal continues to start. Royal puts in a shift defensively but is still a work-in-progress in the attacking third. Relying more on his ability to pass than cross to try and create chances in the box, Royal’s ability to grow may define the rest of the season as much as anything.