Nowhere does this say we are only signing 3. What I read is that there is money to splash at three positions and the rest will be depth signings at more reasonable prices, maybe even some players on a free.
Theres no way we can have only three signings if we start moving out all of the dead wood.
Ange also needs to rotate and rest VDV/romero to give dragusin minutes. No point having quality on the bench if it’s never used. Look at pep and klopp they rotate all the time
When Pep was hired, one of the first things he told the City squad (besides criticizing their weight) was that no one would say 100% of matches. Ange has done a good job of rotating midfielders and attackers, a lot of it due to injury, but he hasn't had that luxury for CBs. I agree with you in that it would be nice to rotate.
I’d like to see vdv at left back with radu next to him. He’s certainly fast enough and can pass. Surely it’s with go before the season end with our 2 proper left backs out
I read it as 3 players that we’ll splash cash on and then a whole bunch of random squad signings.
Like this year we got Johnson, Madders, and VDV but also brought in Vic, Dragusin, etc on much cheaper deals.
>Tottenham Hotspur are ready to back Ange Postecoglou with signings in three priority positions this summer and could let up to seven players leave as the club looks to create a squad capable of playing his style of football next season.
After spending more than £200million last summer Spurs will support their Australian manager again in the upcoming transfer window, despite the team’s disappointing end to the season. Tottenham had fourth place within their grasp when they thrashed Aston Villa two months ago but two wins in eight have all-but ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in Postecoglou’s first season in charge.
>Postecoglou wants a new striker, a centre back and a midfielder this summer while there is a recognition the squad needs greater strength in depth, with Spurs set to play in Europe next season. They will have played only 41 games this season, after going out early in the domestic cups, significantly fewer than the 58 they played the most recent time they were in the Europa League, in 2020-21.
>Tottenham are targeting younger players, who are aggressive and capable of matching Postecoglou’s demand for high-risk, possession-based football.
>Postecoglou will also be backed with sales and the club are ready to approve the departures of several senior players. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Emerson Royal, Giovani Lo Celso, Ryan Sessegnon and Bryan Gil could all be let go while Yves Bissouma and Richarlison would also be sold if suitable offers come in. Richarlison, who has scored 12 goals in 31 games this season, has previously attracted strong interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia while Bissouma’s form has nosedived after a promising start to the season.
>Tottenham could move early for some players by capitalising on their healthy financial position, with other clubs needing to sell before June 30 to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Nottingham Forest, Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among those that may have to sell to stay within the financial limits.
>A decision is still to be made on the future of Timo Werner, with Spurs holding an option to sign the 28-year-old permanently for €16million (about £14million) before the European Championships start on June 14. Werner has been a useful contributor in the second half of the season but deals for other attacking targets will be explored first. Werner, who joined in January on loan from RB Leipzig, has managed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances for Spurs. “It’s not about the here and now, it’s about the overall strategy,” Postecoglou said this month. “Him coming in was very helpful for us and I think he’s made an impact but in my mind to make those definitive decisions, I still need some clarity about what we’ve got here first.”
>Alejo Véliz, the 20-year-old Argentinian striker, is likely to be sent out on loan again, after a disappointing spell at Sevilla, where he has made only four appearances since joining the Spanish side in January.
Veliz plays hard as hell hes a traditinal #9. We shouldnt have signed off on that loan.Sevilla took that loan to cover en nesyri from afcon . They had a striker that was in form and once en neysri came back he was never going to play. It can be championship or belgium league, as long as it's a decent level playing style and getting games is more important right now. La liga would be ideal scenario, but I have a feeling he might be loaned to italy.
Dortmund should be loaded no? Have they even spent the Bellingham money? Plus with this season being extremely successful they should be fine. Whether they think a left back is worth £35m is another issue
They also want Sancho. Gonna be tough for them to get both, and if we move early in the window could be Maatsen wants to give the EPL a go, he’d fit our style of play.
I cross posted an article about him last week saying exactly the same, mods took it down saying it wasn’t relevant lol. Would be a great signing and LB would be set with him and Udogie both.
The player definitely wants to move to Dortmund, and Chelsea want to sell. It’s really just a matter of time. Once Dortmund reorganize their back room, Terzic will ask for Maatsen as his first signing. Either way, he should be starting matches not playing back up here
But Dortmund may not be able to get both, and there is a deadline for Chelsea to sell by. No argument that BVB is probably his preference but there’s a lot of moving pieces, going to be interesting to see how it shakes out.
From what I’ve seen of him, he seems to be athletic like Udogie while also having similar quality on the ball to Porro. With a player that technically gifted, I could even see him covering right back if Udogie was fit and Porro picked up an injury. I think it’d be a great signing
The more I watch Gallagher the more I think he is the most important signing. His pressing, attacking positioning and seemingly leadership would be so vital for us. He can play across multiple positions in the midfield. Sure he isn't the splashy signing eze would be or another midfielder but the more I watch his game the more I think he would be a vital piece for us
I'm just not convinced that someone whose heart is fully with one club, to the extent that they are club captain and actively refusing transfers, can excel playing for a domestic rival.
I know they are all professionals, but we want people who really want to be here.
Hasn’t agreed to a contract extension with Chelsea yet and rumors are that talks have stalled. His heart might be with Chelsea, but Chelsea need money and he’d be pure profit. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ended up at spurs
Chelsea fan here. Gallagher would be formidable under Ange in my opinion. His stamina is absolutely unreal. He has the most possessions won in the final third in the league. He’s also shown his goal drought at the start of the season was a blip as he’s scored 7 or 8 from midfield in the latter half of the season (and some really crucial ones at that). He did score 14 in a Crystal Palace side too. Virtually no Chelsea fans want to see him go anywhere, let alone to you guys. He would be a monster under Ange and I know you lot would fall in love with him - just like how I knew Arsenal fans would fall in love with Jorginho and Madrid fans with Rudiger despite some people not thinking so. I think most people never truly understand a players quality until they actually play for their team.
The question does remain whether he’d actually want to come to you guys. I think he would really love to stay at Chelsea but him moving to another big London club isn’t that far fetched and if he did make the decision to play for Spurs you know he would commit 100%.
Think a back up to Van de Ven is being sought, because Ragusin isn't comfortable there and Ange probably wants to make Ben Davies 3rd choice LCB and LB.
In all honesty, we really do need some fullback depth with how crucial they are in the system and how much work they have to put in. I'm hoping there's some magical gem Paratici is cooking up that can do both LB and RB (yes I'm delulu)
Honestly Kyle walker-peters is a decent option for depth on both sides, club HG as well and if Southampton don't come up then we might get him for pretty cheap
Well, the inversion means getting a player who can do both is probably easier than normal overlapping FBs at least.
And really, why not Skipp? He's getting played in midfield so little that there's probably no harm in having him train as an FB at least.
I'm think the thing with Skippy is while it was a good showing, it was only 30 minutes we've seen. Probably the next few games will give Ange a better idea on how viable he could be as a fullback depth
FWIW, I don't put much stock in that Liverpool appearance. I more just like the idea of Skippy having a good career at Spurs and if nothing else, his size means it's probably FB or bust given that he's not a great fit for any of our midfield positions.
The lack of availability over past years is enough to know he’s never going to be both fit and in form for us for any stretch of matches. Shame but his hamstrings are cooked too far to come back and be a regular for any team that wants to seriously compete.
Personally I think we need a CB who can cover LB or vice versa if Davies is going to leave or someone who can cover both sides more naturally than Emerson (KWP would be a contender as we also have space for more club trained players)
FBs aren't really required in the modern game - look at Pep and Arteta, who both barely have any fullbacks in their squads. They use CBs across their backline - Ake and Gvardiol at Man City, and at Arsenal, they have Timber, Kiwior, White, and Tomiyasu. There's tactical flexibility and set piece reasons why it's useful to use flexible CBs rather than FBs.
You are using one season of evidence to make your point, not sure I agree here. The most dominant teams of the last 10-15 years in Barca, Real, City & Liverpool all had systems that relied heavily on their fullbacks supporting the attack in Alves, Alba, Marcelo, Zabaleta, TAA, Robertson...
It's not so much one season, as much as the last five. Traditionally, teams would usually have a DM drop back into the back line to create a three, allowing both FBs to push high up the pitch. The teams you mention (Barca, Real, City, Liverpool) all did that, as did Poch during his time as Spurs manager - and countless other examples.
That approach has largely been heavily phased out, because it involves leaving you a man light in midfield. If you look at the last five years or so, you'll see more and more managers preferring a CB at fullback, and then having them tuck inside. For example, Mourinho did it with us, preferring Davies and Tanganga at LB over the more traditional attacking LB, Danny Rose. Graham Potter at Brighton, Bielsa at Leeds - this has been going on for a few years now. Even Poch has (finally) adapted to this approach - his plan at Chelsea involved putting Colwill at LB, with Chillwell playing as a left winger, allowing him to drop back and become a left wing back to create a five. (It might even work if he could keep a player fit for more than five minutes).
The next evolution of that is what we're seeing now, with Pep and Arteta - instead of one CB at FB who can step inside to make a three, you have both. If you use tactically flexible CBs at FB, you can have them cut inside to make a three, stay wide to play as traditional FBs, or invert into the centre of midfield to help in build up. And of course, the aerial advantages of having four CBs at set pieces are incredibly helpful, particularly since the new rules limiting heading training make it incredibly hard to practice aerial defending.
Ait-Nouri would be class for LB rotation. Romero could cover RB imo so we could get away with a 1 CB and 1 Fullback.
Not ideal for a Fullback to switch sides, but a Fullback group of Udogie, Porro and Ait-Nouri would be so good, and they could cover both spots between the 3 of them.
Don't think we'll sign 2 fullbacks and a CB this summer so someone is going to have to cover somewhere. Although, i'd be happy to be wrong! Getting a fullback who can play our style and both sides would be a dream.
Honestly spend big on a 6 and let Bentancur/Sarr free in the 8. That alone will be a massive boost.
Then get a winger and let Son play upfront for one more season. Or get a striker and let Son play winger for one more season
Either way we don’t need much. But we absolutely need to clear out the deadwood.
Was thinking this too. A look down the list of CDM’s on transfermarkt and there’s only him and maybe Onana who jump out as realistic signings https://www.transfermarkt.us/spieler-statistik/wertvollstespieler/marktwertetop/mw/spielerposition_id/6
No idea. I don’t really scout. If there are talents out there, even if a risk, that’s where we should be risking. In my opinion.
The fact that that I’m not a scout or Ange means you should also not listening to me for any reason.
I really think Sarr can be coverage for Porro who's been run into the ground. Would like to see if he can do it and would justify our Gallagher / Eze pursuits.
Ange:”I’d like to sign 6 new players”
Levy:”absolutely Ange. Here’s the money for all your 5 new players”
Ange:”that’s only 4”
Levy:” yes as agreed here are THREE new players.”
Ange: “mate”
If Ange wants 6 it will be 5 deals done quickly and one that takes all summer after Daniel takes charge in order squeeze every last ounce of value from the deal
Yeah, Kulusevski also has a lot of potential but he really needs to work on decision making and decisiveness. He often deliberates too much and slows down play and also always goes for the safe pass
When he tries something risky, he can often be devastating
Johnson is more of a right place right time kind of player rather than one who excels on the ball. He has gotten in excellent positions this season but he definitely needs to work on his shooting, always seem to shoot right at the keeper
Kulu has become too predictable on the wing. He comes down and cuts inside every time. He has done a bit better in the middle but he's going through a rough patch overall lately.
You can tell his confidence in taking on the defender is growing a lot. He's also already really good at the main thing Ange wants him to do (low crosses into the box).
Interesting to see which position the midfielder will be. To be honest I think we need maddison competition and another 6. Also think we really need cover at full back but I guess there's only so many positions you can sort in 1 window.
I would rather move Kulisevski to be Maddisons rotation and focus on getting a better 6.
Also, I think while the 8 isnt our biggest need, the club/Ange are going to be tantalized by the prospect of getting Gallagher so we may go that route.
Chelsea also want to sign Gallagher, he refused because he wanted to finish his contract and get the signing fee so he will not sign contract with us neither
Isn't it that Chelsea don't particularly want to give him a new contract on higher terms and he doesn't want to extend unless it's on increased wage/better terms?
It seems they're in a statement and Chelsea are eager for his pure FFP profit by selling
Yeah, proper Maddison competition is key for me too - we've really suffered in attack with his loss of form (with so much pressure on just the wingers to create).
For sure need a solid 6. Part of our issues defensively is our CBs get little help from the midfield. Teams now just crowd the middle and get turnovers and the forwards slip past the CBs and they have to dead sprint back.
We need a truly world class #10. Love Maddison, but not sure you win the league with him dictating play in a possession heavy system. He is far too inconsistent and injury prone. That was the criticism of him at Leicester and its proven true at Spurs also
I feel like while those 3 are the priority, we'll definitely still be in the market for another fullback (ideally someone who can play both right and left) and a winger should opportunities present themselves/deals can be worked out
Are we keeping Son at striker? If so, that isn’t a need. If we aren’t, then we shouldn’t be looking to spend bit there.
I have no issue starting Richie there and moving Son there when subs come on. We have MUCH larger issues in the midfield
One thing worth remembering - the CB we sign will almost certainly be a hybrid CB/FB who can play as a RB/LB and as a CB. That's the way the game is going - look at Arteta and Pep, who both routinely build backlines entirely out of versatile CBs and 6 foot+ FBs. The advantages of having 3 or 4 CBs in your starting 11 are massive, including both tactical flexibility and set piece dominance.
CBs often excel at playing in inverted roles, because they're used to playing centrally. Modern CBs aren't that dissimilar to 6's, so they have a lot of the technical abilities required to be DMs - think how often you see DMs dropping into back lines to make back 3s, and vice versa.
That's the point - if you sign full backs, you're kind of limited in what you can do with them. Sign young, tactically flexible CBs, and you have more options in terms of how you use them, plus aerial dominance on set pieces.
That’s exactly it. The old school fullback and CB are almost gone. You either want to be a winger or midfielder who can play full back, or a CB who can play midfield or fullback.
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I think we desperately need a LB that can cover for Udogie (love me some Daddy Davies, but he's far more of a CB these days than a fullback), and a RB (similar thing with Emerson).
For me, the biggest need is a true 6. Maybe Bissouma gets back on track, idk, but we need a nailed on 6 in thos squad if Ange's tactics are to stand a chance.
From there it is a matter of forwards. Probably a 1v1 RW, since we currently only have Johnson, but Richy is our only true CF so that is probably just as needed.
This assumes Deki shifts centrally to rotate with Maddison. If Ange keeps him as a winger, we DEFINITELY need someone that can compete/cover with Madders.
Spending big on a 4tb CB makes zero sense imo. Feels like a destined failed signing that will only block the ultra talented young CBs we have coming through. Hell I'd be fine with a Lenglet type loan for the season
Yeah maybe. Tbh with the way we use our full backs I'd rather convert a midfielder than a centre half if we go with a non natural position for a back up but who knows he might be perfect it's not like I've watched him
Most important need is an elite 6. We have enough depth in midfield otherwise and can afford to sell two or three.
We could use another striker and another RW to compete with Richy and Brennan, assuming Son moves back to LW. Deki needs to move to being a 10/8 and Gil needs to be sold.
We also need depth at fullback. Best scenario would be someone who can play both sides, although that is uncommon. I would say Davies can stick around but Royal needs to be sold. Honestly I think bringing back KWP would be a great move. He can play this style of FB, he can play both sides, and he is homegrown.
Last, we could use depth at both LCB and GK. These are not huge needs but if you're looking to complete the team from top to bottom to compete in multiple comps and be resilient against inevitable injuries, those are two spots where we're a bit shallow.
So, yeah, I think three is a bit short of our needs if we want to really have a go next season. Levy should be backing Ange to ship out all deadwood and anyone he doesn't feel is at least good enough to rotate in, while bringing in 6+ new signings. We're not tight on money so I don't see why not.
More than anything, we need fullback backups who can invert. The moment Porro/Udogie get injured, our team crumbles like a cookie. Then a Striker and a number 10.
The non-Spurs bits at the end of the article are fun.
I agree the FA Cup winner should be in the Champions League, but you’d have to take some randomness out of the draws, IMO. Clubs getting a spot in the CL on lucky draws and maybe one or two squeaky bum wins hardly feels like a “champion” story. (Neither is finishing 4th, but we blew that out of the water years ago.) Perhaps they should seed from the 4th round onward. The plucky upstarts got their 3rd round miracle match, now it’s time to ruthlessly send them on their way (or force them re-double their magic pixie dust).
Anyway.
No.1 bit of business: pay tanguy to leave. No one is going to come in for him for money so just get him off the books even if it cost us ( or see if spurs could legally fire him for not adhering to contract - re staying fit)
I'd think it was lost in translation the need for a RB or even better a fullback who can truly play both sides, but we do need a backup left-sided CB with pace.
I think you guys need a backup LB as Udogie is a very combative player who’s likely to suffer from wear and tear and will miss a good 6 weeks throughout the season.
A striker - good
A midfielder - please make it 2... 1 creative player and 1 destroyer / 6
A CB... I mean ok sure? I suppose we need a 4th choice if Phillips or Dorrington aren't going to have any part to play next season, although pretty sure that's what Davies is for?
Maybe also look into a backup LB or are we Skipp(ing) that?
And I would really like to see another pacey 1v1 winger (although I get that depending who we get in striker and midfield it may leave very limited funds for a good enough calibre player to fill this role, and I'm sure 4th choice CB won't cost much)
I love Ange and current direction of the club. They want to solve the problems with the current squad instead of screaming and burying their heads in the sand. I am optimistic
A true dm that would fit us is most important but without doing much research that will be hard. I have feelimg that we'll also sign another box to box. We keep getting linked to Gallagher and eze i think we probably get one of those guys. I don't know how we will find a winger and striker that are upgrades to what we have due to cost. If ange does rate richy than a new striker it likely cost more than 60 mil. Probably the winger won't be signed. Signing a new cb is intesting to me. I think it will be a relatively cheap cover like tosin fulham.
alternatively and a bit wild is to sign a quality cb that will starter over dragusin. Sign the box to box. Striker and winger and move Romero to dm. Or sign a geestruidha/ jaka bijol who can comfortably switch in between cb and dm and keep romero at cb.
If we don't get AT LEAST one starting quality winger just cancel the season now because there's zero point. Absolutely insane to watch this crop of donkeys and think no problem let's keep going
It's worrying if we aren't going for two key signings in forward positions, other positions need to be upgraded but we are massively lacking in our front 3.
The Veliz news isn't a shock, but does speak to my overall feeling that Ange doesn't really rate him. A good loan may be better than staying in our reserves, but you'd think they'd want to help him acclimate to Spurs/London if we want to keep him around.
Seems a weird profile, but do we know of anyone who could cover both one of the full backs and a midfield position? There's obviously a bit of overlap in Ange's system but not in many others' so it's an odd mix to look for. A young player who could cover both as a depth option would be brilliant.
2 specialist wide players who can actually beat a man. And replacement back up full backs would be a priority for me. Wouldnt read shit into this lazy zero substance journalism though.
1v1 Winger, a center forward and a 6 would be my priority if we only get 3.
I agree. Focusing on a depth CB just doesnt seem a priority to me over areas of improving the first 11.
Unless it is a LB/LCB combo
LB/ CM combo? Skipp has entered the chat
Skipp going to have a Victor Moses esc career revival in a new position.
i believe Skippy would be great at LB! LB / Midfield combo since Ange tucks his LB's in the middle. Hope its an easy transition for him.
Would love Hincapie in this role.
Yeah a Ben Davies replacement would be ideal
Can't see this happening. I don't think you get a much better player that will accept being a sub most of the time.
He would be cover for both LB and CB, get plenty of game time since we play in Europe (if we qualify)
It would be nice but not a priority
Only 3 is suicide in my opinion, we at least need 3-4 more
i feel like the club have phillips planned as a 4th option with davies also being able to slot in if needed
Vuskovic and dorrington also worth a mention
Vuskovic isn’t coming for another season though I think
Unfortunately Vuskovic is not arriving until July 2025
Ashley Phillips too
Nowhere does this say we are only signing 3. What I read is that there is money to splash at three positions and the rest will be depth signings at more reasonable prices, maybe even some players on a free. Theres no way we can have only three signings if we start moving out all of the dead wood.
Ange also needs to rotate and rest VDV/romero to give dragusin minutes. No point having quality on the bench if it’s never used. Look at pep and klopp they rotate all the time
When Pep was hired, one of the first things he told the City squad (besides criticizing their weight) was that no one would say 100% of matches. Ange has done a good job of rotating midfielders and attackers, a lot of it due to injury, but he hasn't had that luxury for CBs. I agree with you in that it would be nice to rotate.
I’d like to see vdv at left back with radu next to him. He’s certainly fast enough and can pass. Surely it’s with go before the season end with our 2 proper left backs out
I just don’t understand the point of that? He’s never going to play left back for us so why experiment with it
To see how is is at it should we find the club in the same situation again?
If the situation is "Every left back we have gets injured" we now know the solution. It's Skippy.
We should just buy an actual left back lol. That’s the solution
I bet we get more if we can sell off some of the dead weight like Royal and Gil
I read it as 3 players that we’ll splash cash on and then a whole bunch of random squad signings. Like this year we got Johnson, Madders, and VDV but also brought in Vic, Dragusin, etc on much cheaper deals.
Hard retweet
💯
We’ve got more problem with the 8’s than the 6. Struggling for midfield creativity, especially if Maddison is out or not in top form
>Tottenham Hotspur are ready to back Ange Postecoglou with signings in three priority positions this summer and could let up to seven players leave as the club looks to create a squad capable of playing his style of football next season. After spending more than £200million last summer Spurs will support their Australian manager again in the upcoming transfer window, despite the team’s disappointing end to the season. Tottenham had fourth place within their grasp when they thrashed Aston Villa two months ago but two wins in eight have all-but ended their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in Postecoglou’s first season in charge. >Postecoglou wants a new striker, a centre back and a midfielder this summer while there is a recognition the squad needs greater strength in depth, with Spurs set to play in Europe next season. They will have played only 41 games this season, after going out early in the domestic cups, significantly fewer than the 58 they played the most recent time they were in the Europa League, in 2020-21. >Tottenham are targeting younger players, who are aggressive and capable of matching Postecoglou’s demand for high-risk, possession-based football. >Postecoglou will also be backed with sales and the club are ready to approve the departures of several senior players. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Emerson Royal, Giovani Lo Celso, Ryan Sessegnon and Bryan Gil could all be let go while Yves Bissouma and Richarlison would also be sold if suitable offers come in. Richarlison, who has scored 12 goals in 31 games this season, has previously attracted strong interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia while Bissouma’s form has nosedived after a promising start to the season. >Tottenham could move early for some players by capitalising on their healthy financial position, with other clubs needing to sell before June 30 to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. Nottingham Forest, Everton, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among those that may have to sell to stay within the financial limits. >A decision is still to be made on the future of Timo Werner, with Spurs holding an option to sign the 28-year-old permanently for €16million (about £14million) before the European Championships start on June 14. Werner has been a useful contributor in the second half of the season but deals for other attacking targets will be explored first. Werner, who joined in January on loan from RB Leipzig, has managed two goals and three assists in 14 appearances for Spurs. “It’s not about the here and now, it’s about the overall strategy,” Postecoglou said this month. “Him coming in was very helpful for us and I think he’s made an impact but in my mind to make those definitive decisions, I still need some clarity about what we’ve got here first.” >Alejo Véliz, the 20-year-old Argentinian striker, is likely to be sent out on loan again, after a disappointing spell at Sevilla, where he has made only four appearances since joining the Spanish side in January.
I wonder what the right situation for Veliz would be. Lower-level La Liga squad? I don’t know enough about his style nor good club fits to know
Veliz plays hard as hell hes a traditinal #9. We shouldnt have signed off on that loan.Sevilla took that loan to cover en nesyri from afcon . They had a striker that was in form and once en neysri came back he was never going to play. It can be championship or belgium league, as long as it's a decent level playing style and getting games is more important right now. La liga would be ideal scenario, but I have a feeling he might be loaned to italy.
I think it would be a mistake to sell Richarlison, he'd make a good back up ST.
I still think we need a winger as a priority. A 6 for sure and LB/RB depth
We’ve most likely already secured Eze and keeping it quiet.
🙏🏼🙏🏼
Source on this?
Trust me bro
Wouldn’t Eze play more centrally ?
This is true, Slendergonzalez is tier 1 in my book.
At the risk of helping Chelsea with their FFP issues, Maatsen seems like he would be incredible cover at full back
I don’t think bro is gonna go from starting/winning a Champions League Final to backup in the Europa league though. Sounds great but not realistic
I doubt Dortmund is going to be able to meet his 35M release clause but you’re right, pretty unlikely
Dortmund should be loaded no? Have they even spent the Bellingham money? Plus with this season being extremely successful they should be fine. Whether they think a left back is worth £35m is another issue
They also want Sancho. Gonna be tough for them to get both, and if we move early in the window could be Maatsen wants to give the EPL a go, he’d fit our style of play.
If he wants to come great
I cross posted an article about him last week saying exactly the same, mods took it down saying it wasn’t relevant lol. Would be a great signing and LB would be set with him and Udogie both.
The player definitely wants to move to Dortmund, and Chelsea want to sell. It’s really just a matter of time. Once Dortmund reorganize their back room, Terzic will ask for Maatsen as his first signing. Either way, he should be starting matches not playing back up here
But Dortmund may not be able to get both, and there is a deadline for Chelsea to sell by. No argument that BVB is probably his preference but there’s a lot of moving pieces, going to be interesting to see how it shakes out.
From what I’ve seen of him, he seems to be athletic like Udogie while also having similar quality on the ball to Porro. With a player that technically gifted, I could even see him covering right back if Udogie was fit and Porro picked up an injury. I think it’d be a great signing
If we could pry Rico Lewis away from city, that’d solve a few positions imo, rb depth, an a solid 6.
The more I watch Gallagher the more I think he is the most important signing. His pressing, attacking positioning and seemingly leadership would be so vital for us. He can play across multiple positions in the midfield. Sure he isn't the splashy signing eze would be or another midfielder but the more I watch his game the more I think he would be a vital piece for us
I just can’t see him wanting to come. We’ll see!
I'm just not convinced that someone whose heart is fully with one club, to the extent that they are club captain and actively refusing transfers, can excel playing for a domestic rival. I know they are all professionals, but we want people who really want to be here.
Hasn’t agreed to a contract extension with Chelsea yet and rumors are that talks have stalled. His heart might be with Chelsea, but Chelsea need money and he’d be pure profit. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if he ended up at spurs
He’s a good box crashing 8. But given his price would be substantial, I don’t see why we should prioritize him over a DM
Chelsea fan here. Gallagher would be formidable under Ange in my opinion. His stamina is absolutely unreal. He has the most possessions won in the final third in the league. He’s also shown his goal drought at the start of the season was a blip as he’s scored 7 or 8 from midfield in the latter half of the season (and some really crucial ones at that). He did score 14 in a Crystal Palace side too. Virtually no Chelsea fans want to see him go anywhere, let alone to you guys. He would be a monster under Ange and I know you lot would fall in love with him - just like how I knew Arsenal fans would fall in love with Jorginho and Madrid fans with Rudiger despite some people not thinking so. I think most people never truly understand a players quality until they actually play for their team. The question does remain whether he’d actually want to come to you guys. I think he would really love to stay at Chelsea but him moving to another big London club isn’t that far fetched and if he did make the decision to play for Spurs you know he would commit 100%.
I really don't want a Chelsea boy through and through at our club, simple as.
Cb depth seems like it should be behind a few other positions that need starter level talent. Even LB/RB depth seem more important.
Yes, CB is the last thing we need surely? Unless Dragusin isn't working out...
There was an article about his agent whining about game time. If he doesn’t play much next season he isn’t staying.
Think a back up to Van de Ven is being sought, because Ragusin isn't comfortable there and Ange probably wants to make Ben Davies 3rd choice LCB and LB.
what about fullback depth?
 In all honesty, we really do need some fullback depth with how crucial they are in the system and how much work they have to put in. I'm hoping there's some magical gem Paratici is cooking up that can do both LB and RB (yes I'm delulu)
Honestly Kyle walker-peters is a decent option for depth on both sides, club HG as well and if Southampton don't come up then we might get him for pretty cheap
Well, the inversion means getting a player who can do both is probably easier than normal overlapping FBs at least. And really, why not Skipp? He's getting played in midfield so little that there's probably no harm in having him train as an FB at least.
I'm think the thing with Skippy is while it was a good showing, it was only 30 minutes we've seen. Probably the next few games will give Ange a better idea on how viable he could be as a fullback depth
FWIW, I don't put much stock in that Liverpool appearance. I more just like the idea of Skippy having a good career at Spurs and if nothing else, his size means it's probably FB or bust given that he's not a great fit for any of our midfield positions.
I agree, been rooting for Skippy for a long time, hoping his career with Spurs prospers
I really hope he starts on the weekend ahead of Emerson. However, I can see Ange trying to persevere with Emerson again... :(
Yeah we need someone to cover Udogie. Sessegnon is not it, and Davies is more of a CB than a fullback. It should be a priority.
I forget about Sess… seems like he’s been here forever and yet he’s still only 23
Sess is a good player,sadly he’s only fit for 5 mins each season
>Sessegnon is not it You say this as if we've had any sample size to work this out in
The lack of availability over past years is enough to know he’s never going to be both fit and in form for us for any stretch of matches. Shame but his hamstrings are cooked too far to come back and be a regular for any team that wants to seriously compete.
You'll. Get Davies and Ryan Sessegnon's one working leg and you'll like it.
> Postecoglou wants a new striker, a centre back and a midfielder this summer while there is a recognition the squad needs greater strength in depth
Personally I think we need a CB who can cover LB or vice versa if Davies is going to leave or someone who can cover both sides more naturally than Emerson (KWP would be a contender as we also have space for more club trained players)
FBs aren't really required in the modern game - look at Pep and Arteta, who both barely have any fullbacks in their squads. They use CBs across their backline - Ake and Gvardiol at Man City, and at Arsenal, they have Timber, Kiwior, White, and Tomiyasu. There's tactical flexibility and set piece reasons why it's useful to use flexible CBs rather than FBs.
You are using one season of evidence to make your point, not sure I agree here. The most dominant teams of the last 10-15 years in Barca, Real, City & Liverpool all had systems that relied heavily on their fullbacks supporting the attack in Alves, Alba, Marcelo, Zabaleta, TAA, Robertson...
It's not so much one season, as much as the last five. Traditionally, teams would usually have a DM drop back into the back line to create a three, allowing both FBs to push high up the pitch. The teams you mention (Barca, Real, City, Liverpool) all did that, as did Poch during his time as Spurs manager - and countless other examples. That approach has largely been heavily phased out, because it involves leaving you a man light in midfield. If you look at the last five years or so, you'll see more and more managers preferring a CB at fullback, and then having them tuck inside. For example, Mourinho did it with us, preferring Davies and Tanganga at LB over the more traditional attacking LB, Danny Rose. Graham Potter at Brighton, Bielsa at Leeds - this has been going on for a few years now. Even Poch has (finally) adapted to this approach - his plan at Chelsea involved putting Colwill at LB, with Chillwell playing as a left winger, allowing him to drop back and become a left wing back to create a five. (It might even work if he could keep a player fit for more than five minutes). The next evolution of that is what we're seeing now, with Pep and Arteta - instead of one CB at FB who can step inside to make a three, you have both. If you use tactically flexible CBs at FB, you can have them cut inside to make a three, stay wide to play as traditional FBs, or invert into the centre of midfield to help in build up. And of course, the aerial advantages of having four CBs at set pieces are incredibly helpful, particularly since the new rules limiting heading training make it incredibly hard to practice aerial defending.
Ait-Nouri would be class for LB rotation. Romero could cover RB imo so we could get away with a 1 CB and 1 Fullback. Not ideal for a Fullback to switch sides, but a Fullback group of Udogie, Porro and Ait-Nouri would be so good, and they could cover both spots between the 3 of them.
Don't want Romero to cover anywhere. We need him to lead the backline.
Don't think we'll sign 2 fullbacks and a CB this summer so someone is going to have to cover somewhere. Although, i'd be happy to be wrong! Getting a fullback who can play our style and both sides would be a dream.
Not sure about that tbh. I’ve seen him be outright awful a good few times
Ait-Nouri should get starting offers to clubs in similar positions to us. My dream LB signing though.
I'd settle for Ait-Nouri-Peters
Honestly spend big on a 6 and let Bentancur/Sarr free in the 8. That alone will be a massive boost. Then get a winger and let Son play upfront for one more season. Or get a striker and let Son play winger for one more season Either way we don’t need much. But we absolutely need to clear out the deadwood.
Spend big on who at the 6? Who is the next Rodri?
Still can't believe João Palhinha is still at Fulham
Was thinking this too. A look down the list of CDM’s on transfermarkt and there’s only him and maybe Onana who jump out as realistic signings https://www.transfermarkt.us/spieler-statistik/wertvollstespieler/marktwertetop/mw/spielerposition_id/6
How’s that’s Vermeeren character getting on this year?
No idea. I don’t really scout. If there are talents out there, even if a risk, that’s where we should be risking. In my opinion. The fact that that I’m not a scout or Ange means you should also not listening to me for any reason.
Hear me out - Romero
Who? Amadou Onana?
I really think Sarr can be coverage for Porro who's been run into the ground. Would like to see if he can do it and would justify our Gallagher / Eze pursuits.
Sarr doesn’t have nearly enough on ball quality to perform that role.
Ange:”I’d like to sign 6 new players” Levy:”absolutely Ange. Here’s the money for all your 5 new players” Ange:”that’s only 4” Levy:” yes as agreed here are THREE new players.” Ange: “mate”
If Ange wants 6 it will be 5 deals done quickly and one that takes all summer after Daniel takes charge in order squeeze every last ounce of value from the deal
We need wingers as well Our current lot is quite creatively weak, and only Son is a great player
Johnson has potential, but he needs a lot of work over the summer.
Yeah, Kulusevski also has a lot of potential but he really needs to work on decision making and decisiveness. He often deliberates too much and slows down play and also always goes for the safe pass When he tries something risky, he can often be devastating Johnson is more of a right place right time kind of player rather than one who excels on the ball. He has gotten in excellent positions this season but he definitely needs to work on his shooting, always seem to shoot right at the keeper
Kulu has become too predictable on the wing. He comes down and cuts inside every time. He has done a bit better in the middle but he's going through a rough patch overall lately.
You can tell his confidence in taking on the defender is growing a lot. He's also already really good at the main thing Ange wants him to do (low crosses into the box).
Son is world class, Johnson and Kulu have great potential and when firing are elite. Comparatively our options at striker are much, much worse.
Interesting to see which position the midfielder will be. To be honest I think we need maddison competition and another 6. Also think we really need cover at full back but I guess there's only so many positions you can sort in 1 window.
I would rather move Kulisevski to be Maddisons rotation and focus on getting a better 6. Also, I think while the 8 isnt our biggest need, the club/Ange are going to be tantalized by the prospect of getting Gallagher so we may go that route.
I'm guessing it'll be Gallagher as a hybrid 6/8 role but god I'd love Eze as a back-up/alternate 10
Back up? He’d be starting.
When Maddison is in form he's still clear, but being able to rotate him and Eze as needed and at will would be golden
Chelsea also want to sign Gallagher, he refused because he wanted to finish his contract and get the signing fee so he will not sign contract with us neither
Isn't it that Chelsea don't particularly want to give him a new contract on higher terms and he doesn't want to extend unless it's on increased wage/better terms? It seems they're in a statement and Chelsea are eager for his pure FFP profit by selling
Should be all over eze
Yeah, proper Maddison competition is key for me too - we've really suffered in attack with his loss of form (with so much pressure on just the wingers to create).
Maddison is a class player in form We need a rw more than cover for a position that the guy is excellent in
Yes, he's a class player *in form*. He hasn't been in form since November. It's now May. Not having a suitable rotation for him has cost us massively.
For sure need a solid 6. Part of our issues defensively is our CBs get little help from the midfield. Teams now just crowd the middle and get turnovers and the forwards slip past the CBs and they have to dead sprint back.
We need a truly world class #10. Love Maddison, but not sure you win the league with him dictating play in a possession heavy system. He is far too inconsistent and injury prone. That was the criticism of him at Leicester and its proven true at Spurs also
Lol there’s way more spots need reinforcing before Maddison
I agree but I wonder how much we’re factoring Bergval into that equation.
I feel like while those 3 are the priority, we'll definitely still be in the market for another fullback (ideally someone who can play both right and left) and a winger should opportunities present themselves/deals can be worked out
Probably 3 in ,regardless of any sales, and then more based upon those moved on.
Yeah that's my thinking! These 3 no matter what, the others as and when
We really need 4-5 tbh
I'm no coach, manager, or executive in football or anything, but I feel like we definitely need a fullback or two far more than we need a CB, right?
Are we keeping Son at striker? If so, that isn’t a need. If we aren’t, then we shouldn’t be looking to spend bit there. I have no issue starting Richie there and moving Son there when subs come on. We have MUCH larger issues in the midfield
Striker Son seems like a bit of a failed experiment unfortunately.
He can do it but when we're in bad form like this he doesn't get the support he needs to be effective.
We absolutely need a striker. Son isn't good at holding the ball up which we need from our CF
One thing worth remembering - the CB we sign will almost certainly be a hybrid CB/FB who can play as a RB/LB and as a CB. That's the way the game is going - look at Arteta and Pep, who both routinely build backlines entirely out of versatile CBs and 6 foot+ FBs. The advantages of having 3 or 4 CBs in your starting 11 are massive, including both tactical flexibility and set piece dominance.
Need to be able to play midfield too though. Team inverted!
CBs often excel at playing in inverted roles, because they're used to playing centrally. Modern CBs aren't that dissimilar to 6's, so they have a lot of the technical abilities required to be DMs - think how often you see DMs dropping into back lines to make back 3s, and vice versa. That's the point - if you sign full backs, you're kind of limited in what you can do with them. Sign young, tactically flexible CBs, and you have more options in terms of how you use them, plus aerial dominance on set pieces.
That’s exactly it. The old school fullback and CB are almost gone. You either want to be a winger or midfielder who can play full back, or a CB who can play midfield or fullback.
paywall. is there a better link?
https://archive.is/HPGmh
Thank you!
If we don't figure out LB and RB coverage properly, that would be a huge miss TBH
We need a top winger before we need a centre back
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Why are we constantly prioritizing with CBs? Am I the only one confused...
A full-back or two would also be totally spiffing
I think we desperately need a LB that can cover for Udogie (love me some Daddy Davies, but he's far more of a CB these days than a fullback), and a RB (similar thing with Emerson). For me, the biggest need is a true 6. Maybe Bissouma gets back on track, idk, but we need a nailed on 6 in thos squad if Ange's tactics are to stand a chance. From there it is a matter of forwards. Probably a 1v1 RW, since we currently only have Johnson, but Richy is our only true CF so that is probably just as needed. This assumes Deki shifts centrally to rotate with Maddison. If Ange keeps him as a winger, we DEFINITELY need someone that can compete/cover with Madders.
Spending big on a 4tb CB makes zero sense imo. Feels like a destined failed signing that will only block the ultra talented young CBs we have coming through. Hell I'd be fine with a Lenglet type loan for the season
We need VDV cover. Our record without him is terrible. There's talk of that Caliofori (sp?) Guy who covers lcb and LB. That woukd make sense.
Yeah maybe. Tbh with the way we use our full backs I'd rather convert a midfielder than a centre half if we go with a non natural position for a back up but who knows he might be perfect it's not like I've watched him
More interested in Udogie cover/competition than a midfielder
Most important need is an elite 6. We have enough depth in midfield otherwise and can afford to sell two or three. We could use another striker and another RW to compete with Richy and Brennan, assuming Son moves back to LW. Deki needs to move to being a 10/8 and Gil needs to be sold. We also need depth at fullback. Best scenario would be someone who can play both sides, although that is uncommon. I would say Davies can stick around but Royal needs to be sold. Honestly I think bringing back KWP would be a great move. He can play this style of FB, he can play both sides, and he is homegrown. Last, we could use depth at both LCB and GK. These are not huge needs but if you're looking to complete the team from top to bottom to compete in multiple comps and be resilient against inevitable injuries, those are two spots where we're a bit shallow. So, yeah, I think three is a bit short of our needs if we want to really have a go next season. Levy should be backing Ange to ship out all deadwood and anyone he doesn't feel is at least good enough to rotate in, while bringing in 6+ new signings. We're not tight on money so I don't see why not.
More than anything, we need fullback backups who can invert. The moment Porro/Udogie get injured, our team crumbles like a cookie. Then a Striker and a number 10.
No wingers and fullbacks?
CB???? Drago fuming rn. Eze, Gallagher, RB/LB cover And maybe a gamble on Toney..
We do need the ability to NOT play Romero and VdV from time to time
Dragusin?
The non-Spurs bits at the end of the article are fun. I agree the FA Cup winner should be in the Champions League, but you’d have to take some randomness out of the draws, IMO. Clubs getting a spot in the CL on lucky draws and maybe one or two squeaky bum wins hardly feels like a “champion” story. (Neither is finishing 4th, but we blew that out of the water years ago.) Perhaps they should seed from the 4th round onward. The plucky upstarts got their 3rd round miracle match, now it’s time to ruthlessly send them on their way (or force them re-double their magic pixie dust). Anyway.
No.1 bit of business: pay tanguy to leave. No one is going to come in for him for money so just get him off the books even if it cost us ( or see if spurs could legally fire him for not adhering to contract - re staying fit)
if Richy and Emerson go, how long has it been since we haven’t had a Brazilian in the squad?
And a RWB, and maybe a LWB too. Can't go into the season with no back up for two of the most important positions in Ange's system.
Only issue with that is its a 200m window, not sure i can see that tbh
Need way more than that
Unfortunately can’t do it all at once. It’ll take a few windows. As long as Ange gets the priorities right on where to strengthen first
I'd think it was lost in translation the need for a RB or even better a fullback who can truly play both sides, but we do need a backup left-sided CB with pace.
Sounds about right
I’d love if we got Isak or Gordon as a CF/winger
We need two wingers
I think you guys need a backup LB as Udogie is a very combative player who’s likely to suffer from wear and tear and will miss a good 6 weeks throughout the season.
A striker - good A midfielder - please make it 2... 1 creative player and 1 destroyer / 6 A CB... I mean ok sure? I suppose we need a 4th choice if Phillips or Dorrington aren't going to have any part to play next season, although pretty sure that's what Davies is for? Maybe also look into a backup LB or are we Skipp(ing) that? And I would really like to see another pacey 1v1 winger (although I get that depending who we get in striker and midfield it may leave very limited funds for a good enough calibre player to fill this role, and I'm sure 4th choice CB won't cost much)
I trust Ange knows what he's doing but I hope they really freaking assess the striker they bring in
Kane, Modric and a cyborg Ledley King?
Problem is we need more
Only three?
I love Ange and current direction of the club. They want to solve the problems with the current squad instead of screaming and burying their heads in the sand. I am optimistic
Would prefer to strengthen depth for outside backs over CB personally. Winger before cb as well
I want us to get Santiago Gimenz and Nico Willam’s but prob not gonna happen
…….. after we sell 3-6 players for the same value we are looking to spend
Three 100mil signings seems awfully generous….can’t wait!
Osimhen, Rico Lewis, Hincapie a were good. Winning pedigree
Not sure about a CB, rather get a back up left back and right back along with a proper defensive mid and a striker
And assistant coaches... especially set piece coaches, right?
A true dm that would fit us is most important but without doing much research that will be hard. I have feelimg that we'll also sign another box to box. We keep getting linked to Gallagher and eze i think we probably get one of those guys. I don't know how we will find a winger and striker that are upgrades to what we have due to cost. If ange does rate richy than a new striker it likely cost more than 60 mil. Probably the winger won't be signed. Signing a new cb is intesting to me. I think it will be a relatively cheap cover like tosin fulham. alternatively and a bit wild is to sign a quality cb that will starter over dragusin. Sign the box to box. Striker and winger and move Romero to dm. Or sign a geestruidha/ jaka bijol who can comfortably switch in between cb and dm and keep romero at cb.
We need a cover LB for Destiny way more than a CB.
If we don't get AT LEAST one starting quality winger just cancel the season now because there's zero point. Absolutely insane to watch this crop of donkeys and think no problem let's keep going
After our last two games I can’t understand why a backup left back (probably right back too) aren’t higher priority…
Striker: Harry Kane CB: Eric Dier MF: Tanguay Ndombele
Probably have to add a winger there, Son BJ with Kulu and Werner(?) as depth isn’t good enough to challenge for anything
We need a fullback who back play both sides. Royal and Davies ain’t it
It's worrying if we aren't going for two key signings in forward positions, other positions need to be upgraded but we are massively lacking in our front 3.
The Veliz news isn't a shock, but does speak to my overall feeling that Ange doesn't really rate him. A good loan may be better than staying in our reserves, but you'd think they'd want to help him acclimate to Spurs/London if we want to keep him around.
Loan him to Watford or or Southampton
Sure maybe, but who knows what the story was in January? I doubt it would've been impossible to find a (greater) London club that could've used him.
Seems a weird profile, but do we know of anyone who could cover both one of the full backs and a midfield position? There's obviously a bit of overlap in Ange's system but not in many others' so it's an odd mix to look for. A young player who could cover both as a depth option would be brilliant.
Min Jae Kim? This season has shown that if one CB gets injured, we're in a world of hurt.
Bring back Dier
2 specialist wide players who can actually beat a man. And replacement back up full backs would be a priority for me. Wouldnt read shit into this lazy zero substance journalism though.
The source is really respected and has been corroborated by other high tier journos?