MY ACCOUNT
Tottenham have been one of the summer’s busiest Premier League clubs — and their spending spree may not be over yet.
With the likes of Ivan Perisic, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison all arriving in North London in recent weeks, Antonio Conte has wasted no time revamping his squad.
We take a closer look at how Spurs could be lining up in 2022-23 with their new additions incorporated.
Goalkeepers
Although the arrival of ex-Southampton stopper Fraser Forster in June bolstered Conte’s goalkeeping ranks significantly, Hugo Lloris is still almost certain to retain No1 status.
Now 35, World Cup winner Lloris will have spent a decade at Spurs in August and remains one of the game’s safest pair of hands despite his advancing years.
With this unique campaign set to provide a more intense schedule than ever, however, Forster is certain to get his fair share of minutes across all competitions.
Defence
Conte is known for his love of a three-man central defence and the addition of Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet on a season-long loan appears shrewd business.
Frenchman Lenglet, 27, is a regular international team-mate of Lloris and brings crucial European experience ahead of the North Londoners’ first Champions League campaign since 2019-20.
He looks likely be partnered by Eric Dier and Cristian Romero at the back.
Dier’s fine form last season prompted talk of a potential England return, with the 28-year-old becoming virtually a permanent fixture in Conte’s rearguard.
Meanwhile, Argentinian Romero, 24, took to Premier League life seamlessly despite a few injuries and is quite rightfully held in very high regard by the Spurs faithful.
Also competing for defensive berths are the likes of Davinson Sanchez, Joe Rodon and Ben Davies, leaving no issues over depth.
Midfield
Wing-back was clearly an area Conte wanted to upgrade after being left underwhelmed by the likes of Matt Doherty and Emerson Royal last term.
His reinforcements have been impressive, with experienced Croatian campaigner Perisic lured from Inter Milan while exciting prospect Djed Spence is an imminent arrival from Middlesbrough.
Perisic, 33, brings almost unprecedented pedigree to the Spurs ranks at club level having lifted league titles in Germany and Italy along with a hatful of domestic cups.
On the opposite flank, Spence lit up the Championship on loan at promoted Nottingham Forest last term and will be desperate to continue his development on English football’s greatest stage.
Young Ryan Sessegnon can still expect to see his fair share of action too after a strong finish to 2021-22.
Centrally, the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur could now find themselves battling for the same spot after the acquisition of Bissouma from Brighton.
A Malian international, the 25-year-old enforcer amassed no end of admirers with his stunning performances for the Seagulls and looks tailor-made for Champions League football.
Such is the competition for space, academy graduate Oliver Skipp could find his opportunities reduced while Harry Winks may finally be forced to depart his boyhood club.
Forwards
Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are the first two names on the team sheet, leaving quite the dilemma for Conte in regard to his final starting spot.
An initial £50million outlay on Everton forward Richarlison would suggest the Brazilian is the likeliest man to fill the void — and with good reason.
His 43 goals in four Premier League seasons for a struggling Toffees side suggest playing with a higher calibre of player beside him could eke out further improvement.
However, should the 25-year-old become first choice as expected, Swedish starlet Dejan Kulusevski can consider himself hard done by.
Featuring in all 18 of Spurs’ Premier League outings since his January arrival from Juventus — including 14 starts — Kulusevski contributed a whopping 13 direct goal involvements.
He will hope that is enough to convince his manager to find a place for him in his XI, with admirable versatility also counting in his favour.
Popular forward Lucas Moura is keen to stay put in North London a little longer but may find himself occupying a wing-back role with competition in the front line so fierce.
How do you think Tottenham will line up next season? Let us know on social media.
