Tottenham 2013/14 potential starting XI
Having had a season to study his squad and ascertain who he believes are important players for Tottenham, manager Andre Villas-Boas will be eager to enforce a summer of upheaval in order to prepare his squad for next season. Clearly a new striker is a must-buy for the Lilywhites, after disappointing seasons for frontmen Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor, but some added midfield impetus and a new full-back will also be high up on AVB’s list. The formation below is 4-3-3.
Hugo Lloris – Of course. Nothing more to say here: a world-class goalkeeper who had a strong first season at White Hart Lane.
Kyle Walker – The Sheffield-born right-back didn’t play as well last season as he did the season before, but he is still learning and will most likely continue to hold a starting slot under AVB next year.
Younes Kaboul – The defensive powerhouse was unfortunately injured for all-but-one game of last season, but was nothing short of incredible in the previous season. His experience, express pace and strength should see him secure a central defensive berth in AVB’s team next year.
Jan Vertonghen – The Dutchman will be looking to build on a fine first season at White Hart Lane when he partners Younes Kaboul in the centre of defence. They could well become the best defensive partnership in the Premier League.
Alviro Pereira – With Benoit Assou-Ekotto perfecting the art of inconsistency, AVB will be looking to add another left back and he might well pick the 27 year-old Uruguayan, currently plying his trade for Inter. Pereira played under AVB at Porto and so the manager knows the player well, which could swing the South American in the direction of Tottenham.
Sandro – The Brazilian midfield enforcer was a sure-bet for Premier League team of the season until a serious cruciate injury curtailed his season in January. His power and timing of the tackle are immense and he will be a key fixture in AVB’s 3 man central midfield, responsible for easing the load on his defenders by cutting out attacks.
Paulinho – The transfer of the Brazilian box-to-box midfielder from Corinthians to North London is essentially complete and will form an intrinsic part of the central midfield. The £17m man’s energy and drive will be crucial in Spurs’ offensive exploits, whilst his defensive capabilities will also be crucial against tougher opposition.
Mousa Dembele – The ex-Fulham Belgian had a sound first season at White Hart Lane, forming a superb midfield double pivot with Sandro, although his attacking potential was at times limited by the system Spurs would use. However, next season, as part of a 3 man midfield, he should have more freedom and I would expect him to score more and create more.
Aaron Lennon – The English winger had another very good season last year, with the particular highlight being his standout performance at home to Manchester United, where he ran the show. His pace, width and trickery will be a key part of Tottenham’s side next season.
David Villa – The fee and personal terms have been agreed with Barcelona by Tottenham and Athletico Madrid, and it is now up to Villa to decide where he will be playing next year. However, due to his friendship with AVB and his desire to play in the Premier League, I would expect Villa to end up at Spurs where he could score mountains of goals, with Gareth Bale, Dembele and Lennon assisting him.
Gareth Bale – Of course. Bale had an exceptional season last year and will be eager to build on that form, by firing Tottenham up the league table and into the Champions League.
Tottenham fans, would you be happy with this team for next season? Who else would you like to see included? And opposing fans, would this Tottenham team scare you?
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/tottenham_hotspur/tottenham_2013_14_potential_starting_xi_rss4326563.shtml