Tottenham projected starting 11 for opener at Brentford

With the summer transfer window’s end about three weeks away, let’s look at how Tottenham might line up in the season opener at Brentford on Sunday.

Ange tinkered with various combinations in Tottenham’s four pre-season tilts. Some personnel decisions were forced due to injuries, while others were required to evaluate players on the bubble or those needing to make an impression for the new boss.

Here’s how Ange could set his team up when Spurs open their 2023-24 account in west London on Sunday.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Signed to replace long-time club captain Hugo Lloris earlier this summer from Serie A side Empoli, Vicario enjoyed a reasonably strong start for Spurs during this pre-season.

The Italian perfectly fits what Postecoglou wants in his system, as he’s strong with the ball at his feet, plays well within a high defensive line, and can jumpstart a team’s counterattack.

His nickname of “Venom” is the perfect moniker that opposing teams grew to fear during his time in Italy. Let’s hope that fear extends to opposing players in the top flight during his time at Tottenham.

The main cause for concern is his rebound control. But let’s give him some time and support as he commences his Premier League journey.

Right Back: Pedro Porro

Initially brought in on loan from Portuguese side Sporting CP in January, Porro’s deal was made permanent for 40 million euros this summer.

Expect the 23-year-old to improve rapidly in the 4-3-3 system being implemented, as Spurs could have another solid long-term piece in place. The defensive side of his game needs the most improvement, so let’s see how he reacts to a relentless Bees side in the opener.

Center Back: Cristian Romero

The man, also known as ‘Cuti,’ has quickly become Spurs’ number one defender, leading the defensive line. Last year was up and down for the 25-year-old, but he experienced one of the highest peaks any player can by winning the World Cup.

Spurs hope he brings that winning pedigree and edge back to London in the quest to win silverware for the first time since 2009. He can be erratic and a bit reckless at times, but there are few defenders worldwide with his tenacity, talent level, and potential.

Center Back: Ben Davies

Ben Davies will not be Spurs’ first-choice centre-back going forward. However, I feel it’s asking too much of Micky van de Ven to come into the side without any pre-season action at his new club.

Look for van de Ven to start in the second match. He might come off the bench against Brentford but should start on the sidelines.

Left Back: Destiny Udogie

Starting his first season with Spurs after the club signed then loaned him back to Serie A side Udinese last summer, Udogie showed throughout the season why he was so highly sought after.

An Italian Under-21 national team member, Udogie is a talented defender and playmaker who should routinely help set up attacks in Big Ange’s 4-3-3. Not seeing him in the starting XI from day one would be a shock.

Midfielder: Yves Bissouma

Another summer 2022 signing, Bissouma also had a tumultuous first season at New White Hart, dealing with a couple of nagging injuries, including an ankle ailment that forced him to miss most of the season’s second half.

However, during his 12 starts and 28 overall appearances, as well as throughout this pre-season, Bissouma has shown why he’s an excellent choice to link from the club’s defensive backline to our attacking options.

Furthermore, his switch to the No. 8 kit highlights the added expectations. This season will be a breakout one for Bissouma, and it will start at Brentford Sunday.

Midfielder: Giovani Lo Celso

This pick may be slightly surprising to some, but look at the work Lo Celso has put in since returning to Spurs over the summer. He’s a stable, attacking presence best suited to the No. 8 in Ange’s 4-3-3.

He was great despite injury woes under former manager Jose Mourinho and very good for Villarreal during the loan spells over the last two seasons. Now let’s see him be great for Spurs.

Midfielder: James Maddison

After years of rumoured transfer targets and requests, chairman Daniel Levy finally got his man. Maddison is easily one of the best playmakers in the Premier League.

‘Madderz’ should serve as the attack’s point man. The former Leicester City man has had a long journey to get to Spurs, but now that he’s here, look for him to make a prominent impact over the next few seasons.

Winger: Dejan Kulusevski

After his loan deal from Juventus was made permanent earlier this summer, “Kulu” has shown what he is capable of on numerous occasions. Although he had a rough first full season with Spurs, primarily due to injury, the young Swede is one of the top choices to help lead the Lilywhite attack against the Bees.

He has the trust of his fellow attackers and frequently assists during the lead-up to Spurs’ goals. He could easily be one of the best attackers in club history when all is said and done, provided he stays healthy.

Striker: Richarlison

Kane has left the building, leaving Richarlison in charge. The Brazilian will step into the No. 9 role and needs to exponentially increase his one-goal Premier League output from his first season at Spurs.

Winger: Heung-Min Son

I think we should strike last season from Sonny’s record, especially after it was revealed he was playing injured through most of the year.

Under Postecoglou, we will see a Son that gets back to the player who won the Golden Boot for the 2021-22 season, the exciting winger we all know and love.

The South Korean national team captain will have many more photo-taking celebrations, and the comeback will begin with his first regular season starting nod under Big Ange.