Writing in his column for SportsKeeda, Paul Merson has been discussing some of Tottenham’s flaws.
Spurs haven’t been good as of late and Merson believes that the bulk of Tottenham’s problems come from their wing-backs.
Indeed, Merson says that Spurs need top-notch wing-backs to play their three-at-the-back system, and he says that their current crop just aren’t good enough.
In fact, the pundit argues that Spurs would be a lot better if they had the Chelsea trio of Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella in their team.
Spurs need wing-backs
Merson gave his verdict on the holes in Spurs’ squad.
“Antonio Conte always plays a three-at-the-back formation, and you need to have top-draw wingbacks with this system. Tottenham have one of the best forward pairs in Kane and Son, but there’s no ammunition behind them. You’re only as good as the people who give the ball to you,” Merson wrote.
“Tottenham play with three defenders and three holding midfielders. They need a passer in their midfield. The two wingbacks that are supposed to step up in the final third aren’t good enough. If Tottenham had Reece James, Chilwell, and Cucurella, they wouldn’t be a million miles away from being a solid top-four team.”
Just need James
It’s not difficult to understand where Merson is coming from here, but he may not be too accurate in his view here.
Indeed, it has to be said that Spurs’ left side is absolutely fine. Ivan Perisic is genuinely one of the most accomplished players in Europe, while Ryan Sessegnon has been brilliant at times this season.
However, on the right, the conversation is completely different. Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty have both underperformed, and Conte seemingly doesn’t trust Djed Spence one bit.
As Merson says, Spurs could really do with a player like Reece James, and while Chilwell and Cucurella would probably improve this side, they’re not desperate for reinforcements down the left.
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