Final Tottenham Hotspur projected XI of 2021/22 EPL season

By Aaron Coe | May 21, 2022

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min (C) celebrates after scoring his team third goal during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leicester City at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on May 1, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Tottenham Projected Midfield

Given that Oliver Skipp is not miraculously returning, nor is Sergio Reguilon or Matt Doherty, Conte has few options across the middle of the park and the flanks. Thankfully, Spurs have a couple of warriors in the midfield and two young and improving defence-first flankers on the wings.

Left wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon

He may never reach the level many expected of him when he was tearing up the Championship as a teenager; however, Ryan Sessegnon is an improving wing-back under Conte’s tutelage. Sessegnon has shown the ability to get into the box and provide some service. Ryan is typically smart with the ball, and his confidence is growing with the playing time he is getting.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

Throughout the season, one player often overlooked is Pierre Hojbjerg. Given the minutes and shifts the Danish midfielder provides, that is hard to believe. However, it has almost become an afterthought that Hojbjerg will be there protecting the backline and even occasionally pop up to do something productive in the final third. Spurs will need both on Sunday to make sure nothing goes awry.

Central midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur

Interestingly, Rodrigo Bentancur does not have a game that differs from his counterpart, Hojbjerg. However, Bentacur’s actions in the process give him a different look and feel than Pierre. Like Skipp, whom he has replaced, Bentancur has just a bit more of an eye for the forward pass than does Hojbjerg, and when he is finding those passing lanes, the team hums. Let’s hope he finds those lanes on Sunday.

Right wing-back – Emerson Royal

Just as playing time and the coaching of Conte have seen Sessegnon improving on the left, so too are we seeing the fruits of the club’s labour with Emerson Royal on the right. Naturally a fullback, Royal is learning to go forward and contribute to the attack. With more room to grow and likely a point to prove to keep his place, Royal will want to finish the season with a statement game.

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