Mauricio Pochettino has crafted a dynamic young side out of seemingly nothing over at Tottenham Hotspur this season, taking them oh so close to a first ever Premier League title.
Despite the disappointment suffered at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, there’s so many reasons for the North London outfit to remain optimistic ahead of what looks like the start of a hugely promising relationship between the club and the Argentine coach.
Still, considering the importance of developing youth stars at White Hart Lane, there’ll no doubt be a few nerves following reports that highly rated young talent Marcus Edwards could leave.
Though he’s not got much of a look in this term, the 17-year old is held in high regard by the club and losing him would come as a blow.
It’s a stark reminder that the club still have some work to do in keeping their talent. While suggesting they could be about to sell their prized assets would be a step too far, there will clearly be some exits as the former Southampton manager bids to further mould his side.
Who exactly leave?
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PRESS THE IMAGE BELOW TO 5 TOTTENHAM STARS WHO COULD FOLLOW MARCUS EDWARDS OUT THE DOOR
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Nabil Bentaleb
Ironically enough, Nabil Bentaleb was actually the first of the new generation of young stars to emerge in the first-team, and received rave reviews in the process.
However, since Eric Dier was moved into a defensive midfield role, the Algerian has struggled to get into the team and is reportedly being tracked by Paris Saint-Germain.
With the Spurs squad built open such a fine balance, the 21-year old could well be given his marching orders.
Alex Pritchard
Alex Pritchard is a highly rated talent in North London, though injuries have derailed his progress in getting into the first-team.
The 22-year old midfielder was exceptional on loan at Brentford in the Championship, though has struggled to have much of an impact under Tony Pulis at West Bromwich Albion.
Recently promoted Burnley are believed to be keen on his services, in a loan move that could help the England under-21 star recover some momentum.
Federico Fazio
With Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld forming one of the most formidable backlines in the Premier League, not even the impressive Kevin Wimmer could get much of a look in.
Little hope then for Argentine defender Federico Fazio, who has looked shaky at best ever since he arrived in 2014.
Currently on loan with former club Sevilla, don’t expect him back at the Lane beyond the course of the summer transfer window.
Tom Carroll
Tom Carroll has been used as an impact substitute rather a lot by Pochettino this season. It’s one we struggled to understand, though the Argentine seems to like what the former Swansea loan ace brings.
While that’s all well and good, a recent report from the Telegraph suggests the midfielder could be sold this summer.
He’s proved to be a useful squad option, though will surely be swapped for an upgrade now that Champions League football is on the way.
DeAndre Yedlin
DeAndre Yedlin has improved at Sunderland in recent months, though his career perhaps hasn’t taken the upward trajectory many expected following his exploits for the USAMNT at Brazil 2014.
By no means a lost cause, it’s just hard to see the American international ousting either Kyle Walker or Kieran Trippier in the right-back berth.
