Tottenham have a large squad that contains a massive number of quality midfielders. There are so many different formations that the Spurs midfielders could form, with so many different players who could slot in to various different positions.
The likes of Sandro Raniere, Etienne Capoue and Mousa Dembele can sit deep and protect the back line, but they are also very capable at distributing possession. Especially Dembele and Capoue, who are adept at picking out a pinpoint pass. Sandro is a player who will cut out anything that comes through but won’t be as effective at distributing possession. His tackling and interceptions are crucial to helping out the Spurs defenders. Unfortunately for the Tottenham faithful, Sandro hasn’t played to full potential consistently after picking up that knee injury. There are other players that can sit deep, perhaps not provide as much defensively, but are deep-lying playmakers. Lewis Holtby and Tom Carroll are two players that are young, hard working and can certainly spot a pass or two. They’re also happy to give it and go, linking up play from the defence to attack as quickly as possible. Tottenham need a player that can hold his position in deep midfield and be an omnipresent player to pass to.
Distribution will be important, especially to the wings. Last season, crosses from the flanks provided many goals. For example, Emmanuel Adebayor was set up by Eriksen against Manchester United, and later in that game Lennon crossed for Eriksen himself to score. (Bit of scrappy cross, but it still set up a goal). Lewis Holtby has been played in a wider role in pre-season and has seemed to excel there, picking up two goals and three assists in four games. Erik Lamela has also been effective in pre-season, drifting off the wing against Celtic, to smash a deflected shot home. After a disappointing first season at the club, he’ll be hoping for a better one, but even before this season has started he has looked in top form. Eriksen, Nacer Chadli, Lennon, and Andros Townsend will also be options for manager Mauricio Pochettino, on the wings.
Paulinho is most effectively utilized centrally, running box to box with the ability to both attack and defend. A true Brazilian, it can be argued that he is better in a more offensive role, as his footwork can sometimes be mesmerising. Along with great ball control, he can score goals too– Paulinho scored 8 goals last season. Nabil Bentaleb is a young midfielder who’s had a revelation of a season prior to this one. With plenty of Premier League experience and World Cup caps for a 19-year-old, he is sure to simply get better and better. Bentaleb can play a holding role, or a general midfield role. It’s refreshing to see a young player get so much game time in the top English league and hopefully this will continue next season. His lack of experience can have the tendency to cause him to lose possession in key areas, where other midfielders such as Dembele and Eriksen would not. Still a fantastic footballer, his talent outshines that of his older peers. Nacer Chadli has been a hot and cold player and will be looking to improve this season. Perhaps he is better in a wider position, but he has shown himself able to hold his own in central midfield due to his abundance of strength.
To name a Spurs midfield out of countless names is incredibly difficult as every game is difficult and requires a different set of players. For example, against a poorer opponent, Pochettino may field a more offensive midfield with Lennon and Townsend on the flanks, Paulinho and Holtby in midfield. But, for an opponent with a prime attacking threat, Spurs may play a midfield with Eriksen and Chadli on the wings, Dembele and Sandro central. Even Capoue could be slotted in there.
It’s good to have such an extensive midfield to select from, and the rumoured signing of Southampton midfield stalwart, Morgan Schneiderlin, will only grow the depth and quality at this position. Schneiderlin would play in a holding role, so White Hart Lane could see the departure of a similar midfielder. With more numbers in the squad for midfielders, it allows for injury and lack of form. Midfield could be one of Tottenham’s strongest positions next season, and one of the most important ones.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @wizward. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” ourFacebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at/r/football.
Main Photo Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images
