1: Midfield Control.
Since Spurs are a team that focuses more on clinical attacking transitions on the counter, there is no need for extremely technical midfielders.
To play the way Spurs do, it's enough for the midfielders to have decent technique but an outstanding workrate.
The issue comes with Sissoko not being able to distribute the ball during transitions.
His role is needed. Replacing him with Lo Celso specially when the backline isn't solid on its own is suicidal.
So a midfielder who can be that extra edge of support on both fronts is needed.
Solution at Central Midfield: Marcel Sabitzer
Alongside Konrad Laimer, Sabitzer formed a formidable pressing pivot.
Yes, you're all focusing on what he does from an attacking front, but defensively, his ability to relentlessly press throughout the game is what Spurs need a lot.
Your views on Sabitzer might be split. Some want him in simply because he contributes more than Lo Celso
In reality, the truth is, Sabitzer is needed because it gives another GOOD midfield option
Imagine when the choices would be Ndombele, Gio, Sabitzer, PEH, Skipp, maybe Winks
I don't want Sabitzer to join Spurs to outscore or ourassist Lo Celso and Ndombele, that's not hard to achieve.
We need him to be the second link between offensive and defensive transitions so that we don't break down everytime it is recovered
Automatically we'd score more.
2: Aerial Issues.
It must be said, in Spurs' first choice back four, Aurier is strongest when it comes to aerial duels.
Dier comes second, Toby third.
The problem is also that the CBs as a PAIR is VERY SLOW. I'm not talk about the individual paces, but Dier and Toby as a pair.
But sticking to aerial duels, it's not a surprise that Spurs have conceded ZERO goals from opposing counter attacks, but conceded probably the most (closest to the top) from set pieces.
This persisting issue sees us concede late, via mostly set pieces.
You might argue, "in the PL, you cannot bank on SINGLE goal leads, you have to kill games off."
Yes. That's true.
But I'd also say, the best teams in the league win most of their "tightly knit affairs" by a single goal.
Champions Liverpool won about 13-15 games by a goal.
In games like Wolves where a single moment is enough to change the outcome, every single defensive set piece must be dealt with properly.
And for all the clear reasons, Spurs have struggled aerially.
At the start of the season, I thought Sanchez would be a part of the plans, so perhaps we would've been fine with signing a technically sound defender like Skriniar.
But after seeing Spurs' woeful set piece defending, adding a CB who isn't strong in the air would be meaningless.
Solution:
Might have to go with someone like Milenkovic from Fiorentina who is known for being a monster in the air.
Also a lot of people want Demiral, but Juve would be stupid to let go of him.
Rodon is good in the air, but we need to see how he'd fit into the team.
3: Goalscorers.
One tweet is enough for this.
The dependance on Son and Kane can't be avoided, but it surely MUST BE REDUCED.
Signing a winger who can share that load is paramount.
I don't really have a name to give for a new RW as there are many options.
This January, we must address at least one of the above three issues.
I'd prefer if we signed the CB first, then the CM, and lastly a goalscoring RW.
But the highest priority is clearly between a CB and a CM. The RW can wait.
End of thread.
This squad is finally deep. But depth doesn't mean that it's good.
A bit more help from the recruitment side will certainly change our plans, the way we play, and the inability to close off/see out games.
Cheers.
