It was a difficult end to the season for Tottenham and Mauricio Pochettino, as Spurs missed out on the opportunity of a memorable Premier League title, eventually slipping to third and behind Arsenal once again for the 20th consecutive season.
Things seemed to have gone from bad to worse for the English boys at White Hart Lane too, as Danny Rose, Kyle Walker, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Harry Kane – who were all picked in Roy Hodgson’s 23 man England squad for Euro 2016 – were eliminated in humiliating circumstances, losing to the tournament’s surprise package Iceland 2-1.
What could have been the most memorable season in the club’s history ultimately ended as one for forget on all fronts, and boosting morale for the whole squad and of course the young Englishman – all of whom failed to turn up in France at all – will certainly be a huge task for Argentine Pochettino in the coming months.
However, the Lilywhites are still expected to be one of those who challenge for the Premier League title next season, with many putting their late season collapse down to a lack of experience from what was a young and fresh-faced squad.
The signing of Victor Wanyama from Southampton has opened Spurs business in the transfer market, and with the Euro’s drawing to a close over the next few weeks, expect their to be plenty more business at the Lane before the season begins.
Our Spurs fans at the Tavern think they can win the League next season if they have this squad. Do you agree?
GK – Hugo Lloris
Lloris has been Spurs steadiest figure and most consistent performer of the past few seasons.
An excellent shot stopper and a commanding voice from behind the defenders, the Frenchman is unlucky not to have been named in the PFA Team of the Year since his arrival in 2012.
He can thank Petr Cech and David De Gea for that.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin
Before I get shot down with shouts of ‘Where is Kyle Walker?’, hear me out. Yedlin was mightily impressive for the USA at the World Cup 2 years ago, had another good tournament at the Copa America this summer, and finally a good end to the season with Sunderland.
Walker – while excellent going forward – is defensively frail and cannot claim to be in the sort of form that Yedlin is.
CB – Toby Alderweireld
If Spurs are really to mount another title challenge next season, they must do all they can to ensure Toby Alderweireld stays at the club.
The big Belgian was momentous last season, providing solid performances at the back as well as notching a few vital goals from set plays. Just what you expect from your centre half.
CB – Jan Vertonghen
The same really can apply for Jan Vertonghen, as Alderweireld’s Belgian counterpart formed a great partnership and the pair were the solid foundation on which Spurs’ excellent defensive record was built.
Now also finding their form together for Belgium at Euro 2016, why break up a winning partnership?
LB – Danny Rose
Again, one of Hodgson’s royal flops of the Euro’s, Danny Rose will be disappointed having worked long and hard to finally break through into the England team.
Regardless, Rose had the season of his life last time out and will surely only get better.
CDM – Eric Dier
Arguably England’s stand out performer of Euro 2016 – which, lets be honest, isn’t saying a lot – but Dier had a terrific season last time out and has attracted interest from all around Europe.
The Wanyama-Dier partnership could really compliment each other next season.
CDM – Victor Wanyama
The new kid on the block, Wanyama seems to have finally got the move away from St. Mary’s he has been craving for the past few summers.
An old-fashioned defensive midfielder, the Kenyan is big, strong and excellent at breaking up the play. He will offer Dier a chance to show his range of passing.
CAM – Moussa Dembele
Arguably Spurs’ most under-rated player, Dembele really is a fantastic footballer.
While he spent the majority of last season playing (very well) at holding midfielder, the arrival of Wanyama will enable them to push on and really show his creative and technical abilities.
CAM – Nolito
Despite his agent allegedly claiming that Nolito is indeed on his way to City, nothing has been confirmed and hence the race for the Spain ace is still open.
The former Barcelona youngster has been instrumental for Celta Vigo this season, offering creativity and skill from either out wide or behind the strikers.
ST – Harry Kane
A disappointing Euro’s to say the absolute least, the Golden Boot winner of last season will be hoping he can re-find his form and fire Spurs to Premier League glory next season.
33 goals in all competitions last season saw Kane become the first Tottenham player to score over 30 goals in a season since Gary Lineker.
ST – Vincent Janssen
The Eredivisie’s top scorer last campaign is edging closer to a Premier League switch.
Tottenham have reportedly had an £11 million bid for Janssen rejected, but are expected to improve their offer to secure their man. Young, hungry and with an eye for goal, Janssen could be be a fantastic signing for Spurs.
