There are a number of crucial issues for Tottenham to tackle ahead of the season opener against Newcastle United on 13 August.
Tottenham Hotspur’s recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City in the US was a disappointing result in what has been a mixed pre-season so far for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
With no new arrivals and the departed Kyle Walker impressing for his new side during that loss in Nashville, there was perhaps more questions than answers two weeks before the new season.
It is clear Spurs need to be pro-active in the next few weeks surrounding a number of key issues. Below are three things the club need to address by the start of the season.
Make reinforcements at fullback
Tottenham’s fullback pairing of Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were widely accepted as the best in the division last season. Though the two missed chunks of the run-in, with both Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies impressing in their place, it is clear that other clubs are reinforcing that position – not least Manchester City who looked dangerous with Walker in their ranks against his old team.
Kieran Trippier of Tottenham Hotspur comes on as a second half substitue for Kyle Walker
Trippier has struggled to impact big-games when he has been given the chance, and though it is right for Pochettino to give him a chance in the coming campaign, the club need a viable alternative should the former Burnley man struggle.
Sort Toby’s contract
Belgian international Toby Alderweireld had another superb season for Tottenham in 2016/17, and there are many – Spurs fans and those of other clubs – who make him a candidate for best centre back in the league.
Daniel Levy’s wage structure at Hotspur Way is well known, but if Tottenham are unable to pay the league’s best defender their top available salary then it will be no surprise if the 28-year-old considers the inevitable offers that would pay him closer to what he deserves. Especially with Sky Sports News reporting his quotes that there had been “zero” progress on talks over a new contract.
Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur
At this rate, Alderweireld will be able to leave for a fee of £25 million if he signs a year-long extension in 2019. That’s less than it cost Everton to sign Michael Keane.
Make a signing that excites supporters
Danny Rose told BBC Radio 5 Live earlier in the year that Tottenham would benefit from a marquee signing to push the club forward, and you won’t find a single supporter who would disagree with the left-back. Big money moves for Vincent Janssen and Moussa Sissoko flattered to deceive last summer, with both coming with an element of risk.
With Spurs banking plenty this time round after Walker’s sale to the Etihad, and their competitors spending big, Tottenham would certainly benefit from a big name who would excite their fanbase – possibly in the attacking midfield positions.
Could Ross Barkley – closely linked to the club all season by the likes of ESPN – be that man, or would he be another overpriced gamble?
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