Tottenham Hotspur are a club in the ascension under Maurcio Pochettino.
Spurs have reached an entirely new level following the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as manger in May 2014, and are now considered to be genuine challengers for the Premier League title on a yearly basis.
Gone are the days where a fourth-place finish would be met with feelings of elation from Tottenham fans, as last season’s disappointment with their third-place finish proved.
One of the worst periods in recent history for Spurs fans was their side’s run towards the end of Andre Villas-Boas’ reign at the club, which culminated in their 5-0 home defeat to Liverpool in December 2013.
Here we take a look at the Portuguese’s final starting XI before he lost his job at Spurs, and doesn’t it just highlight how far the north London side have come since that day!
With just three players from that lineup still amongst the current crop of stars, what has happened to the rest?
GK – Hugo Lloris:
Tottenham’s Hugo Lloris
One of Spurs’ most important players. It will be vital that he is tied him down to a long-term deal.
RB – Kyle Walker:
Tottenham’s Kyle Walker
Still a regular starter for club and country.
LB – Kyle Naughton:
Kyle Naughton
Currently playing for Swansea City after moving for a fee in the region of £5 million.
CB – Michael Dawson:
Andre Villas Boas and Michael Dawson
Left White Hart Lane two years ago for Hull City.
CB – Etienne Capoue:
Etienne Capoue
The Frenchman is finally proving his worth with Watford after disappointing for Spurs.
CM – Sandro:
Sandro in action
The Brazilian failed to live up to expectations and was sent packing to QPR. Has also spent a loan spell at West Brom, but still flatters to deceive.
CM – Paulinho:
Paulinho
One of Spurs’ biggest flops in recent years, the Brazilian is now plying his trade in China for Guangzhou Evergrande.
RW – Aaron Lennon:
Aaron Lennon celebrates after his famous equaliser for Spurs at the Emirates
Never quite fulfilled his potential at Tottenham, now playing for Everton.
LW – Nacer Chadli:
Nacer Chadli
Another Spurs player to have left for a so-called smaller Premier League side, the Belgian moved to West Brom this summer.
ACM – Mousa Dembele:
Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele
Arguably the most all-round talented player in the Tottenham side.
CF – Roberto Soldado:
Roberto Soldado
Has to be seen as the most disappointing Spurs signing over the past decade.
After scoring just seven goals in 52 league outings, the Spaniard was shipped to Villarreal for a loss of £16 million.
Tottenham fans who viewed last season’s top three finish as a failure would do well to look at the above starting XI,and realise the monumental strides being taken by Pochettino’s men.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
