Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Season Opener vs Southampton

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 09, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

Spurs Midfield Projections

Depending on what Spurs are doing with the ball, the midfield can grow and shrink rapidly with the wing-backs bombing forward or racing back. Either way, they flank two box-to-box battlers, who will fight the opposition and for their position all season long. Likewise, who garners the most playing time on those flanks will be determined on the pitch.

Left-wing-back – Ivan Perisic

Possibly the marquee signing of the summer for Spurs, Ivan Perisic chose to reunite with Conte and come to Spurs and prove himself in the Premier League. Seemingly healthy after playing 75 minutes in the Isreal heat and humidity against Roma.

Central-midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

Seemingly irreplaceable the last two seasons in the midfield, Hojbjerg will again be in the middle of the park for Spurs. Unlike the previous two seasons, Hojbjerg will have to work to maintain his place, which should continue to push his game on both sides of the ball.

Central-midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur

Like Hojbjerg, Bentancur will have to fight for his minutes in the midfield, although injuries to Oliver Skipp and Yves Bissouma make the decision to start Bentancur and Hojbjerg a no-brainer. Bissouma is likely going to be available; while Skipp is out. Regardless, Bentancur was a difference maker down the stretch for Tottenham and will want to hold his place in the team.

Right-wing-back – Emerson Royal

Although Matt Doherty started against Roma and played for over an hour, the Irishman looked rusty and a step off the pace. In his pre-match press conference, Conte indicated that of his three right-wing-backs, Emerson was fit, whereas Doherty was recovering from his ACL injury, and Djed Spence was acclimating to the team. Ultimately, Conte is going to the player who plays the best the most, but for Saturday, signs point to Royal getting the first start.