Tottenham’s season last year was nothing short of outstanding.
With Harry Kane ending the season as the Premier League’s top scorer, it was a lot to do with his clinical finishing, but more to do with the support from the Spurs midfield.
Pochettino has taken a Villa-Boas team that had the individuals, but not the tactical nous to break down opposition, as all too often, the possession was long-winded and lacked any creativity.
Under Tim Sherwood, it appeared that no one really knew their role, but under Poch, the team holds possession, creates and can break effectively ripping teams to shreds.
Their style of play is more direct and with support from the full-backs, Pochettino has a very attack minded structure in place.
But how should the midfield look for next season if we consider Pochettino’s midfield formation? Tottenham are linked with a few midfielders this summer, as Poch adds much needed depth to his squad.
Here is the possible Tottenham dream midfield…
Eric Dier/Victor Wanyama
Dier had a terrific season last year and has emerged as one of the best defensive midfielders this country has produced in many years.
His position at Spurs is cemented and the only way that Wanyama is going to replace him is either through injury or squad rotation.
Dier won’t be able to play every game in what will be a demanding season for Spurs, so Poch will need to switch the two midfielders from time to time.
Wanyama is an undoubted talent and a viable replacement for the solid Dier. Playing in front of Vertonghen and Alderweireld, Dier continues to impress with his passing, his creativity moving out from the back and his moves between aggressively pressing the ball in midfield, shielding his defence, covering out on the right for Walker and joining the defence to create a back three.
Riechedly Bazoer
The Ajax 19-year-old is on everyone’s radar.
Likened to legendary Dutchman Frank Rijkaard and spoken of in terms of £20million transfer fees, the midfielder is being mooted as a star of tomorrow.
Already a senior Netherlands international and a mainstay at the heart of the Ajax midfield, his energy, skill and vision have meant that ex-Ajax coach Frank de Boer had utilised him in his 4-3-3 formation at the Amsterdam Arena in one of the two more-advanced midfield positions, rather than the No.6 position.
Blessed with an ability to stride through midfield, the talent to evade challenges and the presence/desire to grab a game by the scruff of the neck when required, De Boer has more often than not elected to utilise Bazoer in a box-to-box role, allowing him more freedom to break forwards, rather than merely sitting in front of his back four.
Christian Eriksen
An under-valued player at Spurs and the continuity player of the team. Eriksen is a little bit of a lightweight in challenges, but what he lacks in physicality and intensity he makes up for in the intelligence of his pressing.
Just nipping in at the right moment to intercept the ball, without having to battle for it, and immediately using the ball well. On paper Eriksen plays on the left, but he spends just as much time in the middle and in deep midfield areas.
As the deepest of the attacking midfield three he is able to build-up play in all areas with simple one touch passes that keeps the attack flowing.
Ante Coric
Coric has established himself as a key member of the Dinamo midfield, making 28 appearances in the Prva HNL last season, after making his debut for the club in 2014.
At just 19, Coric is one of Croatia’s finest young talents, and was awarded the Croatian Hope of the Year last year.
Likened to Luka Modric, who Spurs fans will remember with fondness, Coric is a versatile attacking midfielder most comfortable in the No. 10 role, but also able to operate on either wing and in a deeper position in midfield.
At just under 5’8″, Coric may initially struggle to adapt to the Premier League, but as an intelligent, creative talent and with over 80 senior appearances under his belt already, the Croat would soon integrate into Pochettino’s attacking style.
Dele Alli
An irresistible first season in the Premier League, the 20-year-old announced his arrival with due aplomb.
Alli, who was described in the past as a ‘box-to-box’ midfielder, plays almost as a forward. On paper, starting from the No.10 position, he is able to contribute to the defence and the build-up play, but his main purpose is to make runs into space or combine with Kane to score or assist with goals.
Alli is still guilty of going missing from games for large periods of time, as the space, or he, cannot be found, but it’s then that he will more than likely appear in the right place at the right time and score.
Sometimes he struggles to control his temper, which has resulted in a few moments of petulance, but his technique and creativity is a joy to behold.
