The phrase ‘strength in depth’ is not something you always associate with Tottenham Hotspur, a side who – especially in the post-Mauricio Pochettino era – became increasingly reliant upon a handful of key players.
But, even after the heart-wrenching departure of Harry Kane to Bayern Munich, there is a genuine case to be made that Ange Postecoglou is presiding over the finest squad of players any Spurs boss has had at his disposal since Pochettino’s departure four-and-a-half years ago.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Oliver Skipp and Rodrigo Bentancur would stroll into most Premier League sides but not Tottenham’s. Not with Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr patrolling the midfield.
Radu Dragusin, the £26 million signing wanted by Newcastle, Napoli and Bayern Munich, is Postecoglou’s third-choice centre-half behind Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. And, when everyone is fit and available, the former Celtic boss can choose two of Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Timo Werner, Manor Solomon and Dejan Kulusevski to supply the ammunition for captain Heung-Min Son.
Tottenham boss explains Giovani Lo Celso speculation
Which brings us onto the future of one Giovani Lo Celso.
The Argentina international has started only four league games during Postecoglou’s reign. And while the straight-talking Aussie is certainly an admirer of Lo Celso’s, there is only one place in Tottenham’s XI for a string-pulling playmaker of his ilk, and that place belongs to James Maddison.
“It is not just him,” Postecoglou begins, speaking to Football London ahead of Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest. “There has been a few in that boat where they just haven’t had a real good run.
“There has been injury disruptions. Other times, when he has been fit, other players have played in his position. But I still think Gio’s been good for us this year.
“Through that middle patch, when we had a lot of injuries, he really stood up for us and then got his own injury of course. He made a real impact against Luton at weekend, and it really helped us get over the line.”
Lo Celso, the £55 million signing from Real Betis, has had his moments. He set up two goals in a 3-1 win over Bournemouth and, during Maddison’s injury-enforced absence, scored a couple of fine finishes against Aston Villa and in that 3-3 draw with Manchester City.
Postecoglou, however, has indicated that he would not stand in Lo Celso’s way should someone offer a fresh start to a man who has just over 12 months left on his contract.
Tottenham exit on the cards now
“Look, he’s a fantastic player,” Postecoglou adds. “But with all these things you’ve got to keep the perspective that we’re at a big club, we’re going to have a big squad. And, if it is not Gio, it will be someone else that will play that role next year.
“No one will play every game. It doesn’t happen. It doesn’t happen at all the big clubs, so I am never really worried about the game-time players are playing.
“If they want more game-time, there are other clubs where they can do that and I’m looking at contribution. With someone like Gio, like I said he has contributed to us this year.
“And that’s been the most important thing for me.”
Barcelona were linked in January after losing Gavi to a long-term injury. Lazio also turned down the chance to sign Lo Celso last summer.
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