Where each player fits into Postecoglou’s Tottenham
By Gary Pearson
For Ange Postecoglou’s adapted 4-3-3 formation to work, each player must be comfortable in possession and willing to advance the ball consistently, so where does each individual on the roster fit?
There are a bunch of uncertainties regarding the roster, as several players are either imminently leaving Tottenham or are thought to be on the bubble.
Lucas Moura is definitely leaving, while Hugo Lloris is also searching for a new chapter elsewhere to cap off his storied career.
Arnaut Danjuma is returning to Villarreal in a tragically disappointing loan spell that saw the 26-year-old get about as much action as a late-developing, acne-riddled pre-pubescent teen. The Evening Standard confirmed that Spurs are opting not to exercise their £27m purchase option on the Dutch winger.
Who knows what will happen with loanees Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Harry Winks, Sergio Reguilon, and Bryan Gil, so in the meantime, I’m not considering them as first-team options for Postecoglou.
There’s also Sergio Reguilon, who is scheduled to return from his loan spell at Atletico Madrid, and Ryan Sessegnon to consider. Although both players should be moved on as far as I’m concerned.
Despite notching eight assists (the same amount as Bruno Fernandes), Ivan Perisic received disproportionate criticism during his first year at the club.
Unsurprisingly, the Croatian is considering parting ways with Tottenham, which would be a shame, as he is tailor-suited for a role in Postecoglou’s 4-3-3.
Nobody knows where Harry Kane’s head is at. Being pulled in every conceivable direction, even Kane might not know what he wants to do.
Eric Dier’s future is also being determined. Several reports suggest the club will entertain offers for the long-time Tottenham man.
Davinson Sanchez is another defender whose time at Tottenham has probably come to an end. An amicable split is the best solution for both parties.
That leaves few sure things. Add the uncertainty of the current roster to the growing speculation of potential incoming players, and you’re left with more questions than answers.
However, for now, let’s go with the near-impossible hypothetical that the roster remains unchanged.
In that scenario, where does each player fit into their new gaffer’s 4-3-3 formation, and which players are expendable?