There is very little extra that Tottenham could have done last season to improve upon their performance throughout the year.
Whilst they were not contenders for the title at the beginning of the year, they slowly crept up unnoticed amongst the furor of the Leicester City title charge, and soon found themselves competing with the underdogs for the top spot.
In the end they simply ran out of steam, and were unable to get the job done. Still, it was a hugely impressive outing from Mauricio Pochettino’s team, having performed wildly above expectations.
What cost them last year was two things; experience, and depth.
Their first team now has that experience of what it takes to get to the top, and now with the introduction of Champions League football; depth is going to be even more important.
The primary first team will likely have very few changes this summer, with more focus instead placed on buying a number of players to bulk out the size of the squad.
As a result, their first team will only get a few minor, but important tweaks; one or two new additions whilst a few players get moved around to play to their strengths.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Starting off with an easy one; it is vitally important that Tottenham hold on to Hugo Lloris.
The French captain has become the first name on the Tottenham team sheet, and played a crucial role during their quiet rise to the top last season.
Without doubt one of the world’s best keepers, he is certain to have a number of suitors this summer; but Tottenham must do everything in their power to hold on to him.
An incredible shot stopper and team leader; this Tottenham side will build from the back.
Defenders – Kyle Walker, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Danny Rose
Tottenham’s defence will remain unchanged going into next season, and with good reason.
The Tottenham back line was near unstoppable last year, stopping some of England’s best attackers from getting a single chance.
The only major blip on their season was the defeat in the Europa League to Borussia Dortmund; but the defence will grow from this and become even stronger last year.
Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are two of England’s best full backs, whilst Vertongen and Alderweireld have gone on to form an unstoppable center back pairing.
A top notch defence.
Midfield – Eric Dier, Moussa Demblee, Victor Wanyama
Only minor changes in the middle of the park, with new signing Victor Wanyama brought in at the heart of the Tottenham midfield.
Wanyama will bring bite and defensive prowess to a new look Tottenham midfield that was far too reliant on Eric Dier last season.
Together they will likely form an unstoppable central midfield pairing, which when combined with the fantastic Spurs defense will likely prove inpenetrable.
In turn, this will allow Moussa Dembele to push on and play a bit further forward; allowing him to play to his offensive strengths and ridding him of his defensive burden.
A strong back bone is needed in this side, given the attacking-mindedness of this new look Tottenham front three.
Attackers – Deli Alli, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen
Whilst Delli Alli for the most part is a stronger number 10, in this side he was been forced out wide.
He can certainly play there, and did on a number of occasions last season; and will be expected to launch balls into the box for the Harry Kane. He proved himself as an attacker last year, and now it is time for the young Englishman to kick on and make that position his own.
Dembele and Alli could find themselves switching positions regularly, which will make the Tottenham forward line more unpredictable for opponents.
Christian Eriksen is more of a natural left winger, and so will fit right in on the left hand side. Everyone knows what he can do, and much like Delli Alli he will be responsible for shifting balls to the big man up top.
Harry Kane was always going to be the striker on this list; having bagged nearly 30 league goals last season.
A few minor tweaks should make all the difference for this Tottenham side next season; and here at the Tavern we expect them to go all the way.
