Take a look at the Premier League transfer activity and one team stands out right now.
While the other top teams have made the odd spectacular signing, I’m thinking of Manchester City and Erling Haaland of course, and there is plenty more for most of them to do. But it looks like Tottenham have done much of their dealing already.
Club chairman Daniel Levy is backing his head coach after Antonio Conte led Tottenham to a top four position last term, fighting off fierce competition from North London rivals Arsenal. And that makes him a hero to Tottenham fans, so even the tough businessman Levy must now give Conte what he wants.
And the fiery Italian has been making some big waves in the market.
Friday’s major Premier League 2022 news was the confirmation that Tottenham had signed Everton forward Richarlison to add to other summer recruits Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma. The club is still looking to reinforce and the starting lineup when they meet Southampton on 6th August is yet to be seen.
But with so much transfer activity already completed at the club, we can have a good crack at picking the likely 11 now.
Conte may well go for a three-man defence but I’m making a case for a 4 -4-2 with a diamond midfield and raiding wing-backs.
When they are on the attack with a defencive midfield man dropping back, Tottenham can adapt to a 3-5-2 and I think these 11 players have the capability to do just that.
Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper
Tottenham have a squad of adaptable players who can do multiple roles and fit into any formation. But the one nailed on player and position is club captain and keeper Hugo Lloris. The France star has been with Tottenham for 10 brilliant campaigns and he shows no sign of hanging up his gloves just yet.
Matt Doherty – Right-back
Long-time Wolves player Matt Doherty is a consistent performer at right-back and saw off the challenge of Serge Aurier in that position. He suffered a ligament injury which kept him sidelined for the end of the 2021/22 campaign, but he will hopefully be back for the start of the new campaign.
Clement Lenglet – Centre-back
It looks like a deal to bring Barcelona centre-back Clement Lenglet to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan is almost over the line. Reports in Europe suggest the deal is already done and that would solve a big problem for Conte in the centre-back position. The France international will bring assurance to the backline.
Davinson Sanchez – Centre-back
Colombian centre-half Sanchez will benefit from the quality of Lenglet at the back. Since his arrival at Spurs, he has struggled for consistency at times but he remains an impressive ball playing defender with plenty of pace. Sanchez should nail down a centre-back spot, though the experienced Ben Davies will keep him on his toes.
Sergio Reguillon – Left-back
Former Real Madrid and Sevilla star Reguillon really came into his own at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last term. He’s a clever defender with great positional sense and loves to raid down the wing. Reguillon is a huge asset in terms of team morale, always playing with a smile on his face.
Rodrigo Bentancur – Defensive Midfield
The arrival of Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski in the January transfer window gave Tottenham the lift they needed to mount a successful top four challenge. The Uruguayan midfielder is a superb ball player, good with either foot, physically strong and perfect in a defencive midfield position.
Pierre Emille Hojbjerg – Right Midfield
Former Brighton stalwart Yves Bissouma might be on the fringe of the first 11 but he will do well to dislodge Danish powerhouse Hojbjerg who has been a shoo-in since his arrival form Southampton. He is a strong presence who can dominate the midfield as well as launching and supporting many an attack.
Ivan Perisic – Left Midfield
One of Croatia’s biggest stars over the past decade, Perisic has transferred from Inter Milan after seven stellar seasons at the San Siro, including the 2021 Scudetto win. Perisic can play as a winger or midfielder and has a beautiful delivery, as well as an eye for goal. At 33, he still has plenty to offer and will be influential at Tottenham.
Richarlison – Left Wing
Former Everton star Richarlison has made his move to the big time and is sure to grace the Champions League as well as strengthening Spurs’ forward line. The Brazilian has completed a £60-M switch from Goodison Park where he was a key figure in the Toffees’ relegation fight and now he’ll ply his trade at the top end of the division. He will face competition from Kulusevski but Richarlison will expect a starting place.
Harry Kane – Striker
The pre-season Premier League 2022 betting odds suggest Tottenham will win a top four place again next season. But with the new additions and the strong likelihood of Kane staying at the club, they could even challenge for the title if he can recover the form which has won him three Premier League Golden Boots.
Heung-Min Son- Right Wing
Son somehow missed out on the PFA Team of the Year selection but he made our SBOTOP XI and he’d be a decent candidate to make a world 11 team. The South Korean is such a versatile player, with bags of pace and a brilliant record of scoring and goal assists – a nightmare for any defender but a joy for Conte.
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