Tottenham fans in the Tavern are in fine voice as they are confident in continuing their unbeaten start in Europe, especially after getting their first win at Wembley over Bournemouth on Saturday. Finally, for our north London locals, they’ve been able to celebrate a Premier League win there.
Spurs have enjoyed their football recently as they look to be back in fine form and winnings ways. After a solid 7 goals being scored in their last 2 games and conceding none it looks as if this Spurs side are starting to build up momentum and a head of steam, getting back into gear. Well, their next game is certainly a big one.
After a 4-0 win away at Apoel, the London side are looking to carry their momentum into the upcoming game against European giants Real Madrid, which certainly won’t be easy. The Spanish side are also unbeaten to start off the campaign so a clash of two titans it will be. With Zinedine Zidane having won two Champions League titles on the bounce, Los Blancos certainly are quite the force.
Having had lots to ponder over the international break it’s now down to Pochettino to build on their win against Bournemouth ahead of their trip to Madrid, needing to prove his Spurs side aren’t only in the Champions League to make up the numbers.
So with a top seed finish at stake, can Pochettino and his men overcome arguably the world’s best, Ronaldo and co? Luckily for them, Gareth Bale looks like missing out, though Real certainly do have a variety of attacking options.
Here’s a look at the side that Pochettino should list to face the Spanish giants…
GK: Hugo Lloris
The French shot-stopper has been in fine form of late as he continues to perform at the highest level having kept clean sheets in both of his previous two games. This man is going to need to be on his best form if he is to keep out Ronaldo and Madrid.
The Spurs number one has no doubt in claiming a starting place, despite the presence of Michel Vorm on the bench. While he’s prone to be a mistake, the French international should give Tottenham a strong base from which to build.
CB: Toby Alderwiereld
The Belgian star man has been pivotal in the back line for Spurs in recent times as he continues to prove himself as one of the best in the Premier League. The central defender offers brute strength and awareness which is going to be key against world class opposition.
Without this man, Tottenham would struggle to perform against a side like Madrid. He’ll know the opposition very well, having played against them in the Champions League final of 2014 for their city rivals, Atletico Madrid.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Belgian partner Vertonghen is a very solid and versatile player who can play anywhere down the left-hand side. He and the aforementioned Alderweireld provide a vital partnership for both club and country the attackers struggle to breach. Indeed, both will need to at their very best against perhaps the best-attacking team in the world right now.
The defender is key to any progress that Tottenham are to make into the latter stages of the Champions League.
CB: Davison Sanchez
The Colombian international has settled down to life in London very well, as he’s put in some solid performances so far for the club as he contributes towards much of their success. He offers brute strength and speed that is going to be vital in keeping up with players with the speed that Ronaldo has.
Able to bring the ball out of defence too, the club’s record signing can calm things down should Real flood Spurs’ box, pushing his team upfield. Could be a huge night for the young man, who certainly has a massive future ahead of him in the game.
This man gets the nod as he looks to continue his fine form.
LWB: Ben Davies
The Welsh international has been one of the more consistent players for Spurs of late, as he continues to prove himself as a solid wing-back. The defender has been making the position his own after the injury to Danny Rose and this looks to continue. Amazingly, it’s hard to see Rose getting back into the team right now.
Surely, Pochettino will look straight to this man for his services.
RWB: Serge Aurier
The Ivorian international, who arrived from Paris Saint Germain in the summer has staked his claim down the right-hand side as he looks to take Kieran Trippier’s place. The defender provides great attacking intent, combined with the pace needed to keep up with the faster players, potentially forcing Real’s wide players back.
Aurier gets our pick as he looks to make the position his own, despite his disciplinary issues.
CM: Eric Dier
The England central midfielder works his trade in a defensive style as he looks to defend the backline, while providing his passing asset to move the ball forward. Therefore, there is going to be a good balance in the midfield needed to track down the Madrid midfield.
A definite key player for this Tottenham team, though does need to introduce a quicker passing range into his game. Slagged off while on England duty, Dier needs to be more imaginative on the ball.
CM: Harry Winks
Due to the injuries ton Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama, this young man has to step in. Fresh out of his very first England call-up, the 21-year-old has enjoyed an extended amount of game time as he looks to impress. Unlike Dier, Winks will be tasked with releasing the ball early and trying to carve holes into Real’s defence.
The young wonderkid will get his place to stake his claim in Europe and there are few bigger places to do it than the Santiago Bernabeu.
CAM: Christian Eriksen
The Danish superstar is in incredible form after continuing to impress by netting for Denmark during the break. The ever-reliable forward man has provided the fair share of opportunities for the club recently and will need to continue to do this against a stern defence.
One of the first names on the team sheet for Pochettino, he’ll surely be able to find some holes in the Madrid defence, who aren’t exactly watertight. Indeed, if anyone’s going to carve them open, it’s Mr. Eriksen.
CAM: Heung Min Son
The Korean international has been in fine form of late as he netted in a previous round against Dortmund, however, so far this season has only been given the opportunity in Europe due to the suspension to Dele Alli.
Dropping Alli might look a silly move, though Son is in better form than the England man, providing the man we’re about to mention with a proper partner.
The forward looks to continue his fine form as he is set to claim a starting place.
ST: Harry Kane
You all knew it was coming, the most prolific striker in the Premier League, who has started the season in flying colors as he looks to drive Spurs towards a possible trophy. The in-form man, without a doubt on his da,y can embarrass any defence so it will be key for him to find his feet.
The first player Pochettino puts on his team sheet, it’ll be very intersting to see him square off against Cristiano Ronaldo, in what should be an amazing game.
So Spurs fans, is this the team to pull off a result against Madrid?
