At the time, it looked like a below-average window, but now with the benefit of hindsight, it is evident that the January window may have saved Tottenham Hotspur’s season.
Tottenham Hotspur is a team that lacks the depth of the elite teams in Premier League football. Thus, when you have a transfer window where four players leave and only two return, it seems like maybe things did not go well.
Now a couple of months on from the transfer window and coming from a match where the new players excelled, it is evident that Tottenham made the right moves and may have saved their season in the process. Here are some reasons the January window saved this season.
Addition by subtraction at Tottenham Way
Despite big money and being big names, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele were not working in north London. Likewise, Dele Alli looked like a player who would never rekindle his prior form. Making matters worse, all three were players often in the news, sulking. Whether through their intermediaries, friends, or social media accounts, none of the three were thrilled to be Spurs.
As anyone who has been part of a team can tell you, it drags everyone down when people do not want to be somewhere. Parting with all three players did more than move deadweight; it also allowed for some attitude adjustment in the Tottenham locker room.
Sure some players still are not playing as much as they would like or maybe should be, if you look at Steven Bergwijn and his contributions versus his minutes, as an example. However, we do not hear about Bergwijn causing problems or sulking around the facility. Likewise, we do not hear negative stories about players like Harry Winks or Joe Rodon, who seem to be on the Conte bus, even if their seat is not good.
The addition by subtraction from January cannot be underestimated with the mental grind ahead of this team. Even more fortunate for Conte, the additions were additions too.
Tottenham got two gems in January
Fabio Paratici, plucking two squad players from his former employer, Juventus, may have looked a bit desperate. However, Paratici knew what he was getting, which has saved Spurs season. What Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur have provided has been necessary for the success the team is starting to see.
Kulusevski completes the front three
In many ways, Kulusevski is a mix of his two new striking partners, Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. Kulusevski has the classic size of a striker like Kane and can use that ability to play hold-up football and maintain possession, even under pressure. Like Son, Deki can run at players with the ball and go either direction, making him a real danger.
With his size, touch, and ability on the ball, Kulusevski is genuinely a gifted technical player who, at just 21 years of age, also has the tactical football ability to put those skills to good use. Kulusevski is also a student of the game and understands football dynamics, making him the perfect fit with Kane and Son.
Bentancur has saved Spurs midfield
While Paratici had no way of knowing Oliver Skipp would be injured/ill/out for two-plus months, he knew Conte needed reinforcements in the centre of the park, and with Rodrigo Bentancur, Paratici delivered.
I cringe just thinking of what the last month would have been like with only Harry Winks to partner with Pierre Hojbjerg. Instead, Spurs have a budding field general in the middle of the park. While Hojbjerg brings intensity, Bentancur brings the team to the next level of football calm and understanding.
Bentancur plays with the same controlled demeanour, whether at the top of his box or the opponents. That assuredness is something this team has been lacking since Mousa Dembele left N17 and is undoubtedly a welcome addition.
It may have only been two players in and four out, but now it is clear that the moves from January have set Tottenham up to have a chance at the top four.