In a perfect world, this is how Tottenham’s team could look at the end of January.
Tottenham Hotspur supporters went into the current campaign with cautious optimism, the 2022/23 season had brought nothing but misery and culminated in the growing sense that Harry Kane would depart in the summer.
Well, depart he did, heading for Bayern Munich in August to deliver an early knock for new manager Ange Postecoglou, who simply shrugged off the loss of the club’s record scorer and blitzed into the ascendancy.
Ten matches into the Premier League term, Spurs topped the table and looked as formidable and fluid as any in the division, with wins over Manchester United and Liverpool and a draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
But having now lost the past two matches, Postecoglou’s side’s flaws have been exposed; a thinness exacerbated by a spate of injuries and suspensions.
The January transfer window looms near, and the Lilywhites will be eager to bolster their ranks to return to winning ways and maintain the renaissance. So, without further ado, here’s a possible dream XI once things slam shut after the first month of the New Year.
1. GK – Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario. Signed from Italian side Empoli for an initial £17m in the summer. Potentially the best shot-stopper in the Premier League this season; unequivocally an upgrade on Hugo Lloris after last season.
Barring an unthinkable injury, Vicario will be expected to deputise between the sticks for the entirety of the campaign, and beyond.
2. RB – Pedro Porro
Arriving in London last January, Pedro Porro endured a forgettable debut, with Tim Sherwood branding his display against Leicester City as “absolutely disgusting” – it was not meant effusively, as one might say following a snap-motion weave from the likes of Lionel Messi, snapping heels.
He’s redeemed himself, it must be said, having played an integral role in Postecoglou’s system this season, making a stunning average of 3.5 tackles per game, as per Sofascore.
3. CB – Cristian Romero
Romero is another member of the revived group down the N17. Despite winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina one year ago, Cristian Romero was rebuked for his performances; a little overzealous, perhaps, in the tackle.
The 25-year-old was sent off against Chelsea and will miss key matches against Aston Villa and Manchester City after the international break, but thankfully he will be firmly back in match action by the time the January window comes a-calling
By and large, he’s been a rock this season and has comfortably been one of the Premier League’s defenders. By and large. When Spurs click into gear once again, this tough-tackling titan will be at the heart of the exploits.
4. CB – Lloyd Kelly
The first winter addition to Postecoglou’s project. You will notice that Lloyd Kelly’s place on this list comes at the expense of Van de Ven, but this is due to the Dutchman’s likely easing into action in January, should he recover from his hamstring injury by then.
According to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke, Tottenham are indeed planning a winter move for Kelly, having failed to secure his signature after a £20m offer last summer.
With Liverpool also interested, Bournemouth will demand a ballpark £30m for the dynamic defender, dubbed a “Rolls-Royce” by Jonathan Woodgate, though Daniel Levy will hope that his tough negotiating and past intrigue will sway the odds in his side’s favour.
5. LB – Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie is another star who has not been in the good books recently, with his last involvement on the pitch the scything of Raheem Sterling’s legs, aggravating Spurs’ woes against Chelsea as they sank to a two-man disadvantage.
That being said, the young Italian has been immense since earning his first minutes for Tottenham, ranking among the top 18% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for assists, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
