Our squad under Pochettino

THIS IS NOT ABOUT TRANSFERS!!!!

Now that we have a new manager and there is a sense of optimism spreading like wildfire through the board I thought it would be good to see how people view the squad under MoPo – who will improve? Who will struggle? Who will be out?

I’m advocating an open competition for all positions before we start bringing people in for the sake of it (LB and CB replacements being the exception). Let’s assume (wrongly or rightly) that we will line up in a 4-2-3-1 – here is my humble opinion of some of the senior squad ):

Players who will thrive:

Capoue – started strongly at Spurs and when fully recovered from his injury I think he could add some energy to the midfield, good tackler but also great at transitioning play from defence to attack.

Holtby – Again, high tempo player who can distribute the ball really well

Chiriches – MoPo is a former CB and I think he can help Vlad to settle into the game a little more.

Soldado – A system that could see him get better service… I’ll put my money on Soldado to improve vastly.

Townsend – Why not? He blows hot and cold but he could play on the left of the drifting three.


Players I think *might* struggle to cement a place

Dembele – quality player no doubt but I worry about his tendency to slow the game down too much, very much the opposite to way we could be playing next season.

Lennon – He suits a 4-4-2 perfectly but I don’t think he is the type of player who can play in that smart ‘roving 3’ behind the striker. He might be saved by his strong work ethic on the pitch

Rose – Despite being just awful this season, he might be saved by the attacking nature of the CBs in the new system but overall I don’t think he’s good enough

Ade – I like him and he seems to get around the pitch when he’s on it. Ultimately I think MoPo may just end up asking more of him than he’s willing to give.

Siggy – An intelligent passer who I rate but ultimately I’m not sure he is suited to this formation


Players I think will be gone:

Dawson – too slow and immobile to play a high pressing game.

Benny – I like him but there’s no chance he’s working this hard.

Livermore – Could be a good squad player but ultimately I think he’s gone.

So what are other people's views? Let's chat