A possible, yet risky solution for Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur conundrum

The benefits of a 4-4-1-1

Conte has always preferred playing with a 3-4-3 system. He has employed different systems, but only sparingly. If you conceptualize a 4-4-1-1 where Tottenham’s concerned, you have to first come up with the personnel to suit the system.

That’s pretty easy, as you don’t have to make a single personnel adjustment.

Ben Davies would move to left back and Sessegnon to left midfield. Sonny would support Harry Kane, moving Dejan Kulusevski into a deeper right midfield role, while Bentancur and Hojbjerg would retain their central positions.

It would provide more support for both Sessegnon and Royal, the main benefit of employing a 4-4-1-1, anything to take the pressure off of Spurs’ most glaring weaknesses.

Neither player would find themselves so isolated, allowing Davies and Kulu to help lessen their burden.

Sonny and Kane could interchange, providing the England captain freedom to drop deep, because nobody is going to prevent him from doing that. And nor should they. It would also provide more quick outlet options for Hojbjerg and Bentancur, both in and out of possession.

There are drawbacks to the 4-4-1-1, but Conte needs to try something to at least muster a shot on target.

He has unequivocally overachieved since landing in north London but opposing teams have Spurs marked, knowing precisely how to combat Tottenham’s tried and tested 3-4-3.

If opposing teams execute a solid game plan, like Brentford and Brighton, Spurs are found wanting, palpably unable to create chances and desperate of new ideas.

Although Conte knows his side and probably won’t alter formations, especially at this crucial time of the season, switching to a 4-4-1-1 could pay boundless dividends.

It could also backfire and go horribly wrong, so it’s unlikely we’ll see the 4-4-1-1 any time soon. Though something has to give, as a third consecutive match without a shot on target is an inconceivable and horrifying prospect.