Where each player fits into Postecoglou’s Tottenham

Where each player fits into Postecoglou’s 4-3-3 formation

Each position is equally important in Postecoglou’s formation, as the onus is placed on every player to make the right decision quickly. Don’t pass the ball back and don’t cough up possession, two prerequisites that aren’t negotiable.

The inverted full-backs

Pedro Porro and Perisic have the skill set and attributes to adopt the two inverted full-back roles.

While Perisic is often used as a more advanced wing-back, he has the ability to slide back into a conventional back four when the opposition has possession.

Perisic and Porro would push up when Spurs control the ball, leaving the two central defenders on their own with the No. 6 patrolling the space in front.

Both Perisic and Porro are gifted crossers and can knock precise balls into the box from almost anywhere, which will appeal to greatly to Postecoglou.

Emerson Royal and Ben Davies would be their understudies, offering depth in each position.

Center backs

Dier has been plagued by inconsistency for several years. While he enjoyed a resurgence at the beginning of Jose Mourinho’s tenure, the Englishman too often makes rudimentary mistakes and isn’t the most proficient in one-on-one scenarios.

He is an excellent distributor, though, which Postecoglou will like.

However, Tottenham may move on from one of their longest-standing employees. His contract expires in June 2024, so it would be wise to sell him now and maximize his return value.

Romero is a shoo-in for the other starting spot.

He is athletic, quick, tenacious, and can move the ball. He’s also one of the best pure tacklers in the top flight. The Argentine will have to work on his discipline and decrease the frequency of impetuous, rash challenges.

Clement Lenglet is Spurs’ third choice at center back, though he could move up the pecking order if Dier departs. Postecoglou will want to strengthen Spurs’ spine, and rumours are suggesting Harry Maguire is in the club’s crosshairs.

The Midfield trio

Yves Bissouma should be ready to have a breakout year for Spurs. His first campaign was riddled with injury and an overall discontinuity at the club.

He is suited for the all-important No. 6 role.

Protecting the back four and acting as a defence-to-attack conduit, Bissouma’s athleticism and ability to disrupt the opponent make him a solid candidate.

His distribution, however, has let him down in the past and is an area of concern. But he’s the best man for the job in Spurs’ current roster. Oliver Skipp offers a solid second choice in that position, but, like Bissouma, his passing isn’t up to snuff.

The two further advanced midfielders would be Pierre Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur. The latter will thrive in a more advanced role. He will return to the team after a long injury layoff with a new lease on life, further enhanced by a position that releases the shackles.

While he is one of the irrefutable leaders, Hojbjerg consistently underperformed last season. Postecoglou will either find a way to revitalize the dogged Dane or replace him.

The attacking triumvirate

The three up front are the most obvious choices. Of course, Spurs’ attacking triumvirate is predicated on Harry Kane staying put.

He’ll lead the attack if he remains at Spurs for another season, with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski offering wide support.

Richarlison is on the bench and must make the most of his cameo opportunities to convince Postecoglou to keep him long-term.

Perisic, too, can offer more depth as a wide advanced winger.

Both wingers are expected to stay wide, with the attacking midfielders ready to exploit the space opened through the vertical channels. That will also allow Son and Kulu the opportunity to isolate defenders and showcase their one-on-one expertise.

Kane will stay high, offering a target man for the wingers, attacking midfielders, and inverted full-backs.