Whilst the Tottenham team seems to have settled and Antonio Conte has found the right squad for the upcoming season, let’s take a look through the Tottenham squad to analyze who should stay at the club, leave the club permanently or depart on loan.
Harry Kane – I think the answer is relatively simple for Harry Kane. Regardless of the figure of money offered by a team, keeping Kane should be a priority for the club as he offers so much more than the goals he provides. Not only is he key in the way we play as a team and how certain players (Heung Min Son, Dejan Kulusevski in particular) are affected by his game, Harry Kane offers leadership, experience, influence and is a boyhood supporter of the club. His value to the team cannot be priced.
Verdict – Keep
Dejan Kulusevski – Joining on loan from Juventus last January, there is no question about just how much the Swede has impacted the Tottenham team. His ability to pass, finish and control the ball for his age is rather impressive. The Tottenham fans have fallen in love with their “Ginger from Sweden” with good reason to do so! Of course, Kulusevski should stay at Tottenham.
Verdict – Keep
Heung Min Son – The South Korean international turned 30 this month and is showing no signs of “slowing” down. In fact, the winger seems to be progressing more at this age than just a few years ago. His most recent achievement came last season, winning the Golden Boot. There is absolutely no doubt that, in my opinion, Son should stay at Tottenham and offer three or possibly more years of top-level football!
Verdict – Keep
Tanguy Ndombele – The Frenchman joined Spurs for a record fee of £63 million (figure via Sky Sports) three years ago but has not lived up to the price tag. After showing moments under Mourinho, the Portuguese ended up openly criticising the work rate and fitness of the 25-year-old. He has been completely frozen out of the squad under Antonio Conte, failing to even make the substitutes bench. Tottenham should try to recover as much money as possible from the Ndombele purchase by moving the midfielder on.
Verdict – Sell
Ryan Sessegnon – The youngster seems to have overtaken Sergio Reguilon in the pecking order at left-back, following the signing of Ivan Perisic. After a very promising start to the season for Sessegnon, it would be great to see him have his best season yet and therefore, we should stick with him!
Verdict – Stay
Matt Doherty – Following the signing of Djed Spence, the right back spot is one of Tottenham’s most “populated” positions. Competing with Emerson Royal and now Djed Spence may be difficult for the Republic of Ireland international, but aiming to go as far as possible in all four competitions that Tottenham are in will require a squad for rotating so Doherty should stay.
Verdict – Stay
Eric Dier – The improvement under Antonio Conte’s management from Eric Dier has been, to say the least, impressive. Now a regular starter in the back three system that Tottenham operates with, Eric Dier most certainly should stay at Tottenham.
Verdict – Stay
Japhet Tanganga – The young Englishman looked promising when he made his debut against Liverpool under Jose Mourinho and I still believe that Tanganga will be a very good defender in the future, but he needs game time now to develop. A loan would suit Japhet best, with reported interest in Italy.
Verdict – Loan (no option to buy)
Oliver Skipp – Tottenham are quite strong in defensive midfield with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, so it is hard to see Oliver Skipp getting a large period of game time. Should Tottenham sign an attacking midfielder, Tottenham should allow Skipp to leave on loan as the four midfielders that we would have should be enough to rotate and prepare for injury. For now, Skipp should stay at Tottenham and rotate, but he should leave on loan if another midfielder (like Zaniolo) is signed.
Verdict – Keep, unless new midfield signing (then loan).
Lucas Moura – After the sale of Steven Bergwijn to Ajax this summer, Tottenham are a man down on the wing with just Lucas Moura, Bryan Gil (possibly leaving on loan) and Richarlison (more naturally a striker) left to fill this role, along with the most usual front three of Kane, Son and Kulusevski. Whilst Moura can also play RWB if need be, the Brazilian is a useful player to have in the squad!
Verdict – Keep
Pape Matar Sarr – The Senegalese midfielder showed promise in pre-season and at the age of 18 seems to have a very bright future! However, the best solution would be to loan him out to help develop him further!
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