Tottenham's approach to recruitment in recent years has seemingly always left the manager a couple of players short, despite the additions of some exciting young talent.
Thus, there's always a sense of anticipation when the next transfer window approaches, with supporters hopeful that the distinct squad voids will be filled.
Over the summer, Tottenham made a couple of high-quality additions during Thomas Frank's first summer in charge. However, there was a sense that Spurs, who were set back by Frank's rather late arrival following Ange Postecoglou's dismissal, hadn't built a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts this season.
I think Frank has less deadwood at his disposal compared to his predecessors, but the Dane is also the first Tottenham manager since Mauricio Pochettino not to have a prime Harry Kane or Son Heung-min at their disposal. The pair operated as a fail-safe for almost a decade, and mitigating their respective departures has unsurprisingly proven to be tough going.
However, it's not merely firepower that Spurs need this winter. Here are the three positions they must prioritise in January.
1. Passer in midfield
João Palhinha was the only midfield addition made in the summer, with the Portuguese joining a talented group that needed an experienced head. His arrival was questioned by some due to his limitations in possession, and I've gone back-and-forth over the efficacy of Palhinha's signing so far.
While it's clear Palhinha is no master of the ball, these midfielders are not being instructed to receive possession on the back foot and progress through the centre of the pitch. Pape Matar Sarr, typically assured as a passer when deployed in a deeper midfield position, suddenly looked like he'd never played the position before when we went up to Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
Thus, I'm not entirely convinced that Frank, in this framework, believes he needs an Adam Wharton-type, and that worries me. If the primary plan is to combine in wide areas to work crossing opportunities, then why would it be necessary to spend big on a penetrative passer in the engine room?
If Frank wants to keep his job, he must evolve. The addition of a player who takes responsibility in the build-up and dares to take a risk in the middle of the pitch is much-needed. We need to unlock Xavi Simons and make the most of the talent Frank has at his disposal in advanced areas, because, contrary to what some may think, there's talent to work with in the final third.
2. Wide player
I've seen reports that Tottenham are prioritising a move for a striker this winter, but I think that'd be a waste of funds. Randal Kolo Muani is good, guys. Let him operate as our starting No. 9 for the season.
And what about Dominic Solanke? His injury has been bitterly frustrating, but are we just going to give up on him just like that? Signing a striker would leave Frank with five centre-forward options, including Mathys Tel, which would be overkill. I'd only entertain a fresh face if we find a buyer for Richarlison.
However, I'm certainly not against the acquisition of a wide player. Mohammed Kudus will hopefully be offered respite by Dejan Kulusevski in the new year, so, ideally, we'll target a predominantly left-sided option. Wilson Odobert is developing nicely, but still doesn't have a ruthless streak, and Brennan Johnson is no longer attacking the back post, so what purpose does he really serve?
Plenty of attackers would struggle to thrive within this framework, but Antoine Semenyo is a unique profile capable of going off-script. Boasting remarkable power, Semenyo is a two-footed wizard who strikes a ball ever so cleanly.
A £65m release clause can be triggered in the first couple of weeks in the window, so Spurs know what they have to do to land a top target. However, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested, so I wouldn't be surprised if the club eventually need to scout alternatives.
3. Left-sided defender
Tottenham were in the market for a left-sided defender at the end of the summer window, but no alternative was sought after Piero Hincapié opted for a move to Arsenal.
Frank's stodgy system can look a little smoother with a left-footed left-back in operation, although Destiny Udogie has been off-colour as of late. The Italian, though, is imperative in terms of supplying a source of width and combining down his flank.
In contrast, Djed Spence is far from an ideal fit within the Dane's framework. While the England international is more than comfortable playing on his 'wrong' side, Frank doesn't want his full-backs drifting infield. It's all straight-line stuff, and Spence, when he gets into the final third, is often forced into tough-to-execute trivela crosses.
Moving forward, I'd prefer to see Spence steal some of Pedro Porro's minutes, given that the Spaniard has lost the ability to cross, and, ideally, we'll sign another dynamic *left-footed* left-back—a powerful runner with an excellent delivery—to compete with Udogie.
Could we perhaps kill two birds with one stone and sign a player who's also comfortable at the heart of Frank's defence, too? You know, the type that Mikel Arteta has stocked hundreds of down the road.