The players jostling for a place in Tottenham Hotspur’s engine room
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have developed one of the most settled squads in the Premier League.
Heading into 2017-18, and before the conclusion of summer recruitment, the position of greatest depth looks to be in the centre of midfield, where the Argentinian is overflowing with options.
Last year, the trio of Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembélé were Pochettino’s most popular options in the middle of the park, although Harry Winks was also regularly employed until injury brought his season to a premature end.
Josh Onomah underlined the fact that he is best in the centre of midfield in helping England Under-20s to World Cup success this summer, and will hope to get a few more opportunities next season.
Here we break down the options:
Victor Wanyama
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In his first season at White Hart Lane, Wanyama quickly established himself as the most important player in the middle of the park for Tottenham.
Immensely powerful, Wanyama showed he was far more than simply a defensive stopper, chipping in with four goals while regularly pushing forward with the ball.
Comfortable playing alongside both Dier and Dembélé, Wanyama has shown his adaptability and at 25 still has potential to improve.
Whoever comes or goes next season, he will surely be the cornerstone of the Tottenham midfield for seasons to come.
Mousa Dembélé
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A little less influential than he was last season, which is a testament to the impact of Wanyama and the improvements of some of the younger options at Spurs, Dembélé remains the classiest operator in Tottenham’s midfield.
Virtually impossible to dispossess with the ball at his feet, Dembélé’s impact cannot be seen through statistics.
He is unique at Tottenham in his ability to get the team on the front foot almost without fail, and his close control is unrivalled.
At 29, he is closer to the end of his career than the beginning, and Pochettino is clearly planning for the future, but expect Dembélé to continue being a key contributor next term.
Eric Dier
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Making a remarkable 48 appearances for Tottenham last season, Dier’s importance is often overlooked.
While he is arguably not in a first choice starting XI when everyone is fit, Dier’s ability to slot in both in defence and in the middle of the park, gave Pochettino valuable versatility when switching between formations.
It is likely for that reason that Manchester United are keen on the England international.
The question is whether Pochettino thinks he is too valuable an asset to give up.
Harry Winks
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A breakthrough campaign for Winks was cut short in April when he suffered ankle ligament damage in an innocuous collision at Burnley.
Prior to that he had made such an impression that there were genuine discussions over whether he should choose Spain or England internationally.
A classy individual, he looks to be the natural successor to Dembélé. He will never have the Belgian’s dribbling ability – few do – but his eye for a pass makes him a useful tool going forward.
He is up against it to be fit for the start of the season, but given how much Pochettino used him off the bench last season, he will surely be back involved as soon as he is fully fit.
Josh Onomah
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The wildcard in the squad, Onomah has been used far more out wide in his Tottenham career to date.
He has always been more comfortable in the middle of the park though, and this season could be the one where he gets his opportunity there.
It may depend on Dier’s future, but after impressing for England Under-20s, Onomah’s progression could follow Winks in playing an increased role this term.
