Tottenham Hotspur have many centre backs ready for the new season. From Michael Dawson, to Eric Dier, there is both youth and experience in the ranks. Also, some players are able to cover the position too. It’s an important position and one that should be a brick wall this season.
Dier recently joined the club from Sporting CP, a young English defender who has represented his national team from under 18’s level to under 21 21’s level. Dier has also been played in defensive midfield for previous clubs and could cover the position if Tottenham needed him to. After his first ever performance in a pre-season friendly at White Hart Lane against Schalke, he really impressed the fans. For a young man of only 20 years of age he showed a maturity that is key for any defender. Strong on the ground, Dier blocked, tackled and showed a tactical awareness that all good defenders should have. However, in the game against Schalke he did not look as strong in the air as Younes Kaboul, who partnered him in defence. Dier was playing against the likes of Kevin Prince Boateng who is renowned to be fantastic in the air, a player that even Kaboul struggled with at some points. With age on his side, Dier has plenty of time to improve himself, and to sort out any weaknesses he may have. The rumoured transfer sum was about £4m. Having played just one game, he already looks like a good buy.
Tottenham Talkline: Strength of Spurs Centre Back Depth
Mateo Musacchio is still a man Spurs are very close to signing, and will be another centre back to add to the club. The question is, do Tottenham need so many centre backs? If Musacchio joins, he will be the seventh centre back in the squad. Now this may not be a bad thing at all as there are many games to play this season across multiple competitions. This means that at least one or two defenders may be unable to play a game due to either injury, suspension or fatigue. Depth is a solution to this. There is a good mix of younger and older players who can fill the position. Perhaps another experienced centre back in Musacchio is a sensible signing.
There is a good mix of younger and older players who can fill the position. Dawson, Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen are three of the more experienced defenders. Dier, Vlad Chiriches and Ezekiel Fryers will provide younger legs in the defence. A good mix is important. A younger player, for example Fryers, may need to play alongside Kaboul for a sturdy defence. The experienced defender can look after the younger player during the game and give him advice. This aids development of the younger defenders to bring them up to be future first team players.
Tottenham will soon play against West Ham in their first game of the Premier League season. This is seen by some as a London derby, but more of a bogey team for Spurs. Spurs fans will be hoping they do not suffer another embarrassing defeat to them this season. It will be important for the defence to be strong in this game. Dawson will most probably start this game. His partner is anyone’s guess. Vertonghen could start, but don’t forget he has not been at Spurs during pre-season as Belgium were involved in the latter stages of the World Cup, meaning the players involved took their holidays later than other players. So due to the fact Pochettino has not been able to see Vertonghen for the pre-season it may lead to someone else starting. But who? Kaboul is a definite candidate, he was almost ever present in pre-season and has been solid as ever.
Spurs fans will be hoping that they can have a successful season. For this to happen, the centre backs must be strong. There will be lots of competition in the ranks for this position so the player must perform or face the ramifications. Without a brick wall defence, Tottenham may struggle to complete the objectives they aspire to achieve this season.
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