With the increased level and number of competitions these days, it's generally recognised that you need a squad that allows for two good players at each position to ensure competition and cover.
With that in mind I thought I'd take a realistic look at our 1st and 2nd teams and see where the gaps are. I'm not including dead-wood like Jannsen.
1st team:
Lloris
New RB, Sanchez, Verts, Rose
Sissoko, New CM
Moura, Dele, Son
Kane
Gone: Eriksen, Toby, Tripps
Promoted: Sanchez, Moura
Needs: CM
I don't want to lose Toby and Eriksen but I think they are gone. I also think that Sanchez should be stepping up into the first team with a new 'third CB' pushing him. Dele should also be stepping up into his natural position at 10, with Moura coming into the first 11.There's also a gap at CM that needs to be filled and I'm not sure Winks has proven that he's that player (yet).
2nd team:
Gaza
KWP, New CB, Foyth, Davies
Dier, Winks
New AM, New AM, Lamela
New ST
Gone: Wanyama, Aurier, Llorente
Needs: CB, AM x2, St
Again, anyone in this team should be pushing hard for a place in the first team. With that in mind I think it's clear that this is where our problem lies, it's essentially why our bench has been so poor this season.
We a couple of new backups for the attacking band and a new striker, and a third CB. Some of these places will be filled with youth (Troy Parrot is one name I'd take seriously)
What do you guys think?
An honest appraisal of our squad
posted on 3/6/19
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
posted on 3/6/19
Winks is 100% first team. Poch loves him and he’s good with potential to be excellent.
posted on 3/6/19
comment by MKspur (U9129)
posted 2 minutes ago
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree Re Dele..... has turned into Poster boy of too much too young..... Looks like he's lost his hunger..... pretty sad
posted on 3/6/19
Winks was tricky to leave out of the first 11 so I'm not going to disagree there.
posted on 3/6/19
comment by MKspur (U9129)
posted 18 minutes ago
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Interesting. I agree that a 4-3-3 would allow a bit more flexibility with our players.
On the Dele point: I think he'll step up with Erikssen gone and I don't see a world where Poch doesn't start him
posted on 3/6/19
comment by Diamondlights (U20501)
posted 20 minutes ago
comment by MKspur (U9129)
posted 2 minutes ago
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree Re Dele..... has turned into Poster boy of too much too young..... Looks like he's lost his hunger..... pretty sad
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Dele needs better players around him, sell Eriksen need better
posted on 3/6/19
comment by MKspur (U9129)
posted 1 hour, 24 minutes ago
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
This, but with Lo Celso instead of Sissoko. Sissoko and Ndombele have similar skillsets. Admittedly Ndombele is a much better playmaker than Sissoko but for Spurs to push for the top they'll need a properly creative player in midfield. That team is definitely lacking in creativity.
posted on 3/6/19
What Spurs need above all is one really creative midfielder, and one enforcer in midfield, a player that can boss a game. Shout and snarl at his teammates. Spurs are clearly lacking at the moment. Spurs Double Team had White and Mackay, the dream ticket, and that is why they won the Double. Need that sort of combo again.
posted on 3/6/19
comment by MKspur (U9129)
posted 3 hours, 23 minutes ago
I wouldn’t be putting Dele into my first 11 next season.
I’m hoping we move to a 433 next season.
Lloris
NewRB Toby Verts Rose
Sissoko Winks Ndombele
Lucas Kane Son
Add another CM and AM plus a forward that covers all 3 front positions.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
When you put it like this it looks like we don't need much..I think 433 is definitely the way forward next season but we need CMs with a goal threat. Having a midfield of Sissoko Winks and Ndombele wont get us goals.
I would like to see a midfield of
Tielemans Ndombele Lo Celso with Sissoko and Winks competing.
We need a lightning fast right back. Aurier contrary to everyone’s belief is not fast. Someone like Semedo, Meunièr, Bissaka or Sidibe
Sign Max Kruse as back up for Kane (he’s on a free)
Such a transfer window is not impossible.
posted on 3/6/19
Some people need to lay off Dele, they should remember he has had an injury disrupted season and been played out of position at times. Remember also he set up 2 goals in the CL semi final and his statistics at the same age far exceed those of the likes of Lampard and Slipper G etc.
What Spurs need is upgrades in CM, FB and back up for Kane, as well as quality replacements for departures.