How Tottenham could line up under Igor Tudor

Thomas Frank's job was finally deemed untenable after yet another miserable home defeat to Newcastle United on Tuesday night, but that decision was only delayed because the folks running the show had no idea regarding a succession plan.

Nobody knew what direction they'd turn. Some advocated for Harry Redknapp's return (lol), Tim Sherwood threw himself in the hat (LOL), while others regarded Robbie Keane as ready after his stellar work with *checks notes* Ferencváros.

In truth, there was no obvious candidate, but very, very few expected them to go down the route they have done. I could've sworn Fabio Paratici was no longer employed by this football club?

Anyway, they've gone for his guy. Paratici wanted Thomas Frank gone months ago and Igor Tudor to come in as his replacement. Well, Fiorentina's new director has finally gotten his wish. Tudor has been selected as the man to fight fires in north London and steer the Lilywhites well clear of the relegation zone.

While many have lamented the decision, Tudor does have an excellent track record of overseeing quick turnarounds. He's been a great manager in the short-term in a variety of environments, and his big club experience should bode well when he rocks up in north London. Truthfully, though, I have absolutely no idea how this is going to pan out, and you shouldn't either.

Anyway, we can speculate what Tudor's Tottenham could look like. I've given it a crack, taking into account the current absentees.

Tottenham's predicted lineup under interim manager Igor Tudor (3-4-1-2)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—I'd love to see Antonín Kinsky given a go under the new manager, but I don't think Tudor will opt for a change between the sticks. His build-up isn't sophisticated enough to facilitate Vicario's removal.

Archie Gray (CB)—There has to be a role for Gray in the team. The teenager performs well beyond his years, and Tudor will undoubtedly appreciate the Englishman's versatility.

João Palhinha (CB)—The Juventus connection means it's easy to project Tudor taking to Radu Drăgușin, but I'd personally rather see Palhinha at the heart of his defence than the Romanian while Cristian Romero serves his suspension. Palhinha may not boast the athleticism to successfully contribute to Tudor's man-to-man marking in midfield.

Micky van de Ven (CB)—No dramas here. Van de Ven is an excellent fit for outside centre-back role in a back three.

Wing-Backs & Midfielders

Djed Spence (RWB)—Don't expect too many wing-back-to-wing-back connections under the Croatian. There have been comparisons to Antonio Conte, but Tudor doesn't demand anywhere near as much from his wide players in the final third. Spence, a defensive phenom and great athlete, fits the bill for a Tudor wing-back.

Conor Gallagher (CM)—It's got to be runners in the middle of the park. If Spurs are going to disrupt, harry and potentially thrive in transition, Tudor's got to have his best athletes in his pivot. Palhinha's a destroyer who could play here, but I think the new boss trusts the most energetic midfielders at his disposal.

Pape Matar Sarr (CM)—Sarr's pretty similar to Gallagher, and this is a pivot that's unlikely to set the world alight in the build-up phase. However, as I've alluded to already, Tudor is set to prioritise an improvement without the ball to ignite a resurgence in N17.

Xavi Simons (AM)—The big-name summer signing should appreciate the change of face in the dugout, even if Xavi isn't exactly the sort of player Tudor has gotten the best out of in the past. Nevertheless, he should appreciate the Dutchman's dogged effort without the ball. Xavi is capable of inspiring an upsurge, but it's a huge responsibility.

João Souza (LWB)—Destiny Udogie's injury setback really does hurt, but at least he'll be back relatively soon. In the meantime, January arrival Souza will likely get the chance to get his feet wet in the Premier League.

Forwards

Randal Kolo Muani (ST)—Kolo Muani knows all about Tudor, who was in the Juventus dugout for the Frenchman's successful loan spell in Turin. The versatile centre-forward is yet to kick into gear in north London, but the arrival of a familiar face should help. Kolo Muani scored ten goals in 20 games for Juve last season.

Dominic Solanke (ST)—Tudor isn't a two-up top manager, but circumstances may force his hand in north London. I'd be intrigued by Solanke and Kolo Muani working together.