Tottenham are safe for another year, but the work starts now after securing Premier League safety on the final day. Spurs need radical improvements to get back to where they expect to be as a club, and it's going to take an overhaul this summer.
Departures are also likely given the lack of European football, and for that reason, you will notice some key players have missed out on our list below as we take a look at the five players Roberto De Zerbi should look to build around next season as he and the club's staff put together a new-look squad.
James Maddison
Maddison will now hopefully go into next season fully fit and ready to go. He doesn't have international football to contend with this summer, and it's likely for the best, given his recent return.
When you look at Tottenham's most talented players, Maddison is very close to the top. He has a unique ability to open up and find space, and this Spurs attack has sorely missed that this season.
He's also a player who gives his all, and you always feel as though it matters to him, which is not something you can say of every Spurs player. Spurs need Maddison, and he will surely be a guaranteed starter next season.
Djed Spence
It hasn't been the best of seasons for Spence, but he is another who, when at his best, is one of the top talents. If De Zerbi wants to play attacking football, Spence is going to be vital to it, and getting him and this defence back to its best has to be a priority this summer.
Spence is still only 25 years of age, and given his talent, he is a player Tottenham should be looking to build around as they look to establish a new XI.
Xavi Simons
Simons certainly showed signs of being an elite talent this season. There was some inconsistency, but that's always going to happen when playing for a struggling team. Spurs missed Simons during the run-in, and it's going to take time for him to get back to full fitness, given the severity of his injury.
But when he is back fit, Simons is a player Spurs need to build around as they look to maximise their attacking and wing play. He has shown previously in his career that, when he is in consistent form, Simons is a force, both for club and country. He is still only 23, and Spurs fans should be excited about the Dutchman's future.
Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher is another interesting case. He didn't have it all his way after joining Spurs, that's for certain, but he joined the club in tough circumstances, with Igor Tudor coming and going, and we now know he struggled under that brief management spell due to the coach not liking him.
Gallagher has high-level experience, and that has shown during the run-in. He is 26, yet to hit his prime, and he has the versatility to help Tottenham in several positions.
Gallagher can lead Spurs with his experience, and you get the feeling that the more responsibility he is given, the more he will thrive. De Zerbi also seems to like Gallagher, which is a good sign, and it's likely Tottenham will see Gallagher's true potential next season.
Mohammed Kudus
Last but not least, Tottenham need to get Kudus back in form and fitness. The winger showed real promise earlier in the season before picking up a big injury. That was a bitter blow after he had racked up five assists and two goals in the Premier League.
Kudus is a dangerous Premier League winger, and it will be interesting to see what De Zerbi can do with him next season. This Spurs squad has holes aplenty, and he is certainly another one of those players who stand out as one of the biggest talents.
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