Deadline day is rapidly approaching, and even though there has been a lack of notable business at Tottenham – just DeAndre Yedlin has been drafted in from Seattle Sounders – there is still time on the clock and plenty of rumours in the gossip columns.
With the top four, as ever, the aim for Spurs and Mauricio Pochettino, a few decent signings could be enough to nudge them ahead of the large chasing pack – but who will be on the Argentine’s shopping list?
Without further ado, here is how we think their post-January XI could look in a dream scenario…
Hugo Lloris
Even though David de Gea of Manchester United has been the subject of much goalkeeping praise this season, Lloris is, arguably, the best stopper in the Premier League. The Frenchman has been a Spurs player for just about two-and-a-half years, and his agility, ‘sweeper ‘keeper’ mentality and athleticism have been vital in the club’s challenges for top four action. Although linked with moves away from The Lane, Lloris looks set to stay until at least the end of the season.
Kyle Walker
Although his development has stagnated a little in recent seasons, Walker is still a top right-back on his day. Lapses in concentration can be an issue, but ferocious pace and sound tackling ability often make up for small errors. With Kyle Naughton gone, DeAndre Yedlin looks to be his major competitor, but the American is likely to need some time to adapt following his move from MLS side Seattle Sounders.
Jan Vertonghen
A classy centre-back capable of carrying the ball forward, Vertonghen is a certain pick for Spurs now after a period of turbulence. Last season appeared to sap some of the motivation from the Belgian’s game after an impressive debut campaign, but Pochettino’s arrival looks to have reignited his desire to be a key man at The Lane.
Younes Kaboul
Captain and powerful influence, Kaboul remains firmly ahead of Vlad Chiriches and Eric Dier in the pecking order, and is likely to keep his spot in the XI unless there is a late January transfer window twist. Experienced in the Premier League, Kaboul knows what he’s doing at the top level, even if his lack of mobility causes problems.
Danny Rose
Loan spells away from the club have allowed Rose to rack up enough experience to be Spurs’ main left-back now, with his pace, power and willing running all key traits in Pochettino’s high-tempo, fast-pressing set-up. Like many attacking full-backs, the 24-year-old is not always the most solid influence heading towards his own goal, but he does offer lots heading the other way.
Yevhen Konoplyanka
Linked with Spurs as far back as last January, Konoplyanka is once again thought to be on the club’s radar, with a £7m swoop having been mooted. The Ukrainian winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and although his father has suggested that teams need to wait until then to snap him up, there remains the chance of a late deal for the Dnipro ace. Quick, good on the ball and cost-effective, ‘Kono’ could be worth a late push.
Ryan Mason
Local lad come good, Mason is very much a fans’ favourite at White Hart Lane. Although there are more established central midfielders around in the squad, the 23-year-old offers genuine desire, hard-work and bags of stamina, which has often shown up the likes of Moussa Dembele and Etienne Capoue.
Adrien Rabiot
Alongside Mason in a youthful midfield combo, Rabiot would be an excellent late addition. The 19-year-old PSG playmaker has been linked with moves away from the French capital for some time, and even though Sevilla are thought to be closing in on a deal, there is still time on the clock. Spurs have indeed been watching the teenager, who is known for his composed passing.
Christian Eriksen
At the tip of the midfield set-up, we’ve gone for the obvious choice, Eriksen. The little Dane has been a big hit since Tottenham beat Liverpool to land him from Ajax, with his neat passing, great close control and tendency to net vital goals having contributed to his status as a fans’ favourite in the white half of north London.
Harry Kane
The ‘Hurricane’ has really emerged as one of Spurs’ key men this season, with his goalscoring antics in the Europa League – and Soldado and Adebeyor’s woes – having allowed him to move in from the fringes to become Pochettino’s main centre-forward. Not the most technically adept striker around, Kane offers bustling energy, willing running and pure graft, which all add up to make him a more than a match for many defenders. In this formation he will be out wide, though, with room made for the marquee striker…
Jackson Martinez
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Although there have been suggestions that Martinez wants a move to Italy, there have also been reports in recent weeks claiming that White Hart Lane is where he wants to go, so the situation is unclear! A late swop could be enough to secure the deadly marksman from Porto, and it’s fair to say that his record of almost two goals every three games since moving to Portugal in 2012 hints that he could be just the man to spearhead a top four charge. Powerful, quick and lethal in the box, Martinez looks the full package.
