Here is our take on how Spurs manager Antonio Conte could line up his side with the new January transfers. Spurs confirmed the signing of Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Bentancur before the conclusion of the January window. Spurs also offloaded Dele Alli, Ndombele, Bryan Gil, and Giovanni Lo Celso last month.
Conte will have some decisions to make regarding his starting line-up. It will take some time for the new signings to find their feet in the Premier League. But both the players will provide some threat in the opposition half for the North London side.
Spurs’ recent 2-0 loss to Chelsea leaves them 7th on the table with 36 points. They are 2 points behind Manchester United who currently holds the 4th Champions League spot. But Spurs have two games in hand over Manchester United. Wins in these two games will see Lilywhites leap over United into the top 4.
Here is how Spurs could line up with a completely healthy squad(3-4-3 formation):
Goalkeeper
Hugo Lloris
Lloris has cemented his place as the Spurs’ number 1. He is the club captain and has recently penned a new deal that will keep him at the club till 2024. The French international has managed to keep 8 clean sheets in 20 league appearances for Spurs this season.
Defence
Davinson Sanchez
Sanchez has been a regular starter for Conte since his arrival. The Colombian has played 9 of the 10 matches under Conte and played the entire 90 minutes on 8 occasions.
The 25-year-old defender has been vital for Spurs in their backline. He has 14 appearances in the league this season where he managed to get 2 goals including the winner against Watford.
Eric Dier
The English centre-back is the most experienced defender in this Spurs side. He has featured in 95% of starting line-ups in the league this season(transfermarkt).
He suffered a thigh injury in the start of the new year but made full recovery and started in their recent 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League.
Cristian Romero
Romero was a much-anticipated signing for Spurs when he came in on loan last summer. But the Spurs fans have seen very little of the 23-year-old this season, due to his hamstring injury.
He has featured in just 7 league games this season. His return to the starting eleven will surely bolster Spurs’ backline. The player is very close to making a come-back and could feature in their FA Cup fixture against Brighton.
Midfield
Sergio Reguilon
The wing-back has often found himself in useful areas this season but needs to improve his end product. He has shown glimpses of what he can do since his arrival from La Liga.
The attacking full-back has featured 18 times for Spurs this season scoring one goal and setting up three.
Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg
Hojbjerg has been quite impressive since his arrival from Southampton in 2020. The robust midfielder plays an important part in the middle of the park for Spurs.
Hojbjerg has played 19 league games for Spurs so far this season. He scored two goals and assisted one in these 19 games. The signing of Bentancur will offer some relief for Hojbjerg, as Winks and Skipp will provide backup for the Danish midfielder.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Bentancur will be Spurs’ new addition from Juventus in the midfield. He could go a long way in helping Spurs secure a top 4 finish. The Uruguayan will provide a bit more safety to the defence line, but Conte will also encourage him show some creativity.
Bentancur has been involved in 19 league games for Juventus before making his move to the Premier League. He came up with just two assists in this time and failed to score any goals this season. Conte will be hoping Bentancur could have more influence in the opposition box as well for the Lilywhites.
Emerson Royal
The Brazilian right-back has often found himself in the starting line-up under Antonio Conte. He is arguably the best right wing-back option for Spurs as of now. Kulusevski could be deployed in his position to provide more attacking threat while going forward.
Emerson has played 15 league games this season and only provided one assist. Just like Reguilon, he needs to improve on his final passes.
Attackers
Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has recently joined Spurs from Juventus on a loan move till the end of the season. He was awarded Serie A young player of the year for his performance in the 2019-20 season.
In his 20 league appearances at Turin this season, he has managed to score 1 goal and set up 3. His numbers do not do justice to his creative talents.
Kulusevski is a versatile player and can be deployed in the midfield if Conte decides to play a 3-5-2. He could also play as a right wing-back instead of Emerson who would make way for Moura or Bergwijn in the attack. He is still 21 years old and has a lot of potential to develop into something special.
Harry Kane
Kane has failed to replicate his form over the season. There were speculations of the star striker being unsettled at the club at the end of last season. Regardless, he is still one of the best strikers in the world and would walk into the starting line-up of most teams.
The English striker has scored 5 goals and assisted 2 in 19 games this season. His goal tally might increase now that they have added to creativity of Kulusevski.
Son Heung-min
If there is one player who completely justifies their place in the starting line-up, its Son Heung-min. He has been Spurs’ best attacking outlet this season, scoring 8 goals and assisting 4 in 17 league games so far.
He needs to maintain his form for the remainder of the season if Spurs are to finish in the top 4. Spurs have lacked the edge in the final third in his absence.
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