Tottenham Hotspur have strength in depth… but are still lacking in key areas.
Tottenham Hotspur have made it clear they do not need a major squad overhaul this summer, and after a terrific season in 2016/17 they are right to take that approach.
Where they fell short was in cup competitions, where it became apparent they lacked the strength in depth to rotate effectively, so it is somewhat of a surprise they are yet to make any signings so far.
Their first choice XI is particularly strong, so much so that Eric Dier does not make it in, despite being valued at £60 million, according to The Sun.
Tottenham’s second choice XI has a strong midfield and very able goalkeeper in Michel Vorm.
Ben Davies is about as good as a second choice left-back as you will find anywhere.
There remain questions though in other positions, which the players will have to address.
The perpetually Erik Lamela has been left out of both sides, but could easily slot in ahead of Josh Onomah below.
It is a strong side, but there are questions in defence in particular, with two untested youngsters in key positions.
Kyle Walker-Peters is an England under-20 World Cup champion but he is yet to play a first team game at competitive level.
Cameron Carter-Vickers is highly regarded but his first team displays in the cup and pre-season have been unspectacular. He has the potential to be excellent, but he is at this stage an unknown quantity in the Premier League.
Up front there are also questions. Vincent Janssen flopped last season as did N’Koudou, and there just do not appear to be the goals in this team and enough attacking pedigree to scare top defences.
Mauricio Pochettino has spoken of how difficult it is to upgrade a second XI, but Tottenham need to find a way if they are going to be successful on multiple fronts this season.
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