Tottenham 2014/15 Season Preview

After what was considered a disappointing season in the eyes of many Tottenham fans, what does the upcoming season hold for the North London side and what action should Tottenham take in the transfer market this summer?

The New Manager

During his time with Southampton Mauricio Pochettino moved the club from relegation battlers to a solid, top-half team built on an attacking style of football, utilising overlapping fullbacks and a squad full of youth. Although only registering 54 goals, Southampton managed to keep their opposition to only 46 during the season, a decent tally considering where they were a year prior. At Spurs I expect and hope we will see a similar trust placed on youth players, combining that with a style of football that is both attacking and reminiscent of how we played under Harry Redknapp. But most of all I think we will see an improvement in defence. A solid backline is key to a successful season in the Premier League, as shown by both Manchester City and Chelsea. Plugging holes in the porous Spurs backline is something that Pochettino will clearly need to look into for the upcoming season.

The Summer Seven

Signing seven new players worth over 100 million last summer was a major move for the club but failed to make up for the loss of Gareth Bale to Real Madrid. Christian Eriksen was the only bright spark among the new recruits, collecting seven goals and nine assists. After being shifted between the left and central attacking midfield roles, Eriksen started to find some rhythm and consistency within the squad.

Tottenham’s record signing of Erik Lamela had such a bright season prior at Roma, registering 15 goals for the Italian side, but unfortunately failed to get to grips with the speed of the game in England. After a number of substitute appearances, he eventually nailed down a starting role to be cruelly denied for the remainder of the season with a back injury.

Winger Nacer Chadli was brought in to whip balls in from the left and land them on the head of Roberto Soldado and Emmanuel Adebyaor. Chadli, however, struggled to find form under former manager Tim Sherwood, compared to the form he had found previously at FC Twente. Soldado also failed to blossom up top, netting only six times during the season. The main downfall for the Spanish forward was his inability to get himself involved in the link-up play during games.

Defender Vlad Chiriches showed glimpses of a positive future,  making solid tackles left, right and centre, all whilst providing forward runs. The only negative from Chiriches was his inability to play consistently at to high level. Finally, Paulinho and Etienne Capoue were brought in to bolster the central mid at Spurs, but both failed to make an impact, due to reccurring injuries throughout the season.

Who should leave?

Michael Dawson – Getting on now despite the effervescent passion for the badge. A move to Hull seems on the cards.

Danny Rose – A left-back who is inconsistent and lacks defensive abilities (usually key for defenders).

Sandro – This may seem a shock, but the Brazilian is a fan’s player and only a fans player, a beastly tackle or two usually out-shine his poor on-field performances. Personally I feel we can definitely do it without him.

Aaron Lennon – A great servant to the club, but his attacking threat and time could be up.

Gylfi Siggurdson – To be fair he has never really got a look in. Although he usually delivers when subbed on, I’d prefer to seem him starting in an first XI elsewhere.

Iago Falque – He should be sold to a Spanish side. Has failed to make an impact.

Roberto Soldado – He didn’t fit Sherwood’s system and looks unlikely to fit into Pochettino’s either. He should be sold while he is still worth something.

Who should come in?

Jordan Archer – Scotland Under-21 goalkeeper who deserves promotion to the starting XI in cup games ahead of Brad Friedel.

Ben Davies – Swansea’s young and promising defender who could hopefully fix our lack of strength in the left-back position. He gets forward and has a great cross on him.

Toby Alderweireld – The Belgian was used as right-back in Belgium’s recent world cup campaign, but he’s better off in the middle. He has great ability on the ball and has speed to keep of with those pesky attackers.

Steven Caulker – A return back to the lane could be on the cards after Cardiff’s relegation, although the Welsh side have agreed a fee with QPR, who are keen to attract the defender.

Doria – Young and full of promise. Currently plying his trade for Botofogo in Brazil, the Brazilian under-20 Captain has a big future ahead of him.

James Ward-Prowse – He had a great season for Southampton last season under Pochettino and the lure of working with his former mentor again might be enough. A solid  midfielder who can also be a wizard when in front of a dead ball.

Esteban Cambiasso – The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with Tottenham over the past month and could be a wise head to bring in if Dawson leaves. A solid leader, which is what the club is in need of. He can also help the younger players within the squad, especially fellow Argentine Lamela.

Jay Rodriquez – This young Englishman has talent to burn. Struck down with injury right before what was sure to be a World Cup call-up, he would be a perfect addition to our current wingers. Once again, the lure of Pochettino could work in our favour.

Loic Remy – Apparently it’s between Arsenal and Tottenham for his signature. If he can be snapped up for £10 million he could prove a real asset in attack.

Wilfried Bony – The Swansea striker has been linked with Tottenham recently and could be exactly what we’re looking for – a goalscorer. He started to find the net towards the end of last season and is arguably the best header of the ball in the league right now.

The Dream Starting XI:

GK – Hugo Lloris

RB – Kyle Walker

CB – Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen

LB – Ben Davies

CDM – Etienne Capoue Mousa Dembele

CAM – Lewis Holtby

RW – Erik Lamela

CF – Wilifried Bony

LW – Christian Eriksen

Subs: Jordan Archer, Vlad Chiriches, Kyle Naughton, Paulinho, Jay Rodriquez, Emmanuel Adebayor and Harry Kane.