The Spurs thread | 2017-18 season | Serious thread - wummers/derailers will be threadbanned

[GlastonSpur]

In light of recent events, all the new signings etc, how would you rate Spurs' chances of finishing the season in the top 4?

I've voted 'yes' to Spurs in the top 4 poll. However, I do worry a lot about the 'Wembley factor', though balanced against that is the view (a correct view IMO) that squad-wise we're little bit stronger than last season.

Also, Arsenal look all over the shop and Chelsea will IMO find the going a lot harder than last season.

All in all, I think the top 4 - in no particular order - will be City, Spurs, United and Liverpool. But I'd only give Spurs a 60 vs 40 chance of being in that group because of Wembley.

 

[Damien]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...sfer-news/man-utd-transfer-news-dier-13557964

Spurs playmaker Dele Alli was filming a live video on his Instagram account as England prepared to take off for their World Cup qualifier with Malta when Dier jokingly referred to their former club teammate Walker as a 'traitor' for joining Manchester City.

Walker then replied: "It was alright when you wanted to go to United." Alli unsurprisingly deleted the video.

"It's just a bit of friendly banter,'' Walker said at an England press conference. "I think it's been took a bit too far, me, Del, Harry [Kane], Eric, we're all very close. I've know them for a good six, seven years now.

"It's all just a bit of friendly banter I wouldn't read too much into it.''

Asked if Dier called him a traitor, Walker replied: "Yeah, it's just kind of one of them things that you just have a bit of fun about. You know, me and Eric have a good relationship on and off the field.

"We have banter together and I take it, he takes it. That's just about it, really.''

 

[7even]

I've voted 'yes' to Spurs in the top 4 poll. However, I do worry a lot about the 'Wembley factor', though balanced against that is the view (a correct view IMO) that squad-wise we're little bit stronger than last season.

Also, Arsenal look all over the shop and Chelsea will IMO find the going a lot harder than last season.

All in all, I think the top 4 - in no particular order - will be City, Spurs, United and Liverpool. But I'd only give Spurs a 60 vs 40 chance of being in that group because of Wembley.

I don't share your pessimistic view. Your squad is well balanced and you have quality all over. Even if you lost against Chelsea your where the better team. In my opinion you're much better then Liverpool and Arsenal, probably have a little bit more quality then Chelsea. The only team who's better on paper is City. I don't compare you to us because I'm biased and can't rank United without being to optimistic. My take on Tottenham is that if you play as last season you will probably finish in the top three.

 

[Random Task]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...sfer-news/man-utd-transfer-news-dier-13557964

Thickened, has the plot.

 

[RedSky]

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co...sfer-news/man-utd-transfer-news-dier-13557964

Banter.

 

[LilyWhiteSpur]

In light of recent events, all the new signings etc, how would you rate Spurs' chances of finishing the season in the top 4?

I think we have as good a chance as Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton or Arsenal (lol). I'd have City faves with United very close. If you can keep Lukaku and Matic fit it will be very tight. Will be s very strong league.

 

[Random Task]

I've voted 'yes' to Spurs in the top 4 poll. However, I do worry a lot about the 'Wembley factor', though balanced against that is the view (a correct view IMO) that squad-wise we're little bit stronger than last season.

Also, Arsenal look all over the shop and Chelsea will IMO find the going a lot harder than last season.

All in all, I think the top 4 - in no particular order - will be City, Spurs, United and Liverpool. But I'd only give Spurs a 60 vs 40 chance of being in that group because of Wembley.

I think we have as good a chance as Liverpool, Chelsea, Everton or Arsenal (lol). I'd have City faves with United very close. If you can keep Lukaku and Matic fit it will be very tight. Will be s very strong league.

I initially voted no in the poll as I didn't think Spurs had done enough business in the transfer market, whilst those around them improved no end, but after the recent purchases of Aurier and Llorente that opinion is beginning to waver.

50-50 on Spurs at the minute, a lot will depend on how fast Aurier can settle and adapt to Spurs' unique system. Should he fail on either front, I think your season will fail with it.

 

[Sweech]

Their ins and outs look to be one of the least improved of the top 6.

Miles off what United and City have added.

To be expect though, of course.

I agree that we could have done better in the window.

Specifically I think we need another creative option - though I'm assuming Barkley will be coming in January and then there's the obvious need for another pacey winger type.

Aside from Barkley in January I wouldn't expect to see anything else. Though I'd love to get Ryan Sessegnon and loan him back for the rest of the season. He could either be a potential Rose replacement (should he force move) or be a potential pace option further forward where we've seen him at times.

Overall though I think us as fans vastly overrate the transfer window. Last season saw us only really add Wanyama and yet we improved exponentially. For any to claim Spurs will worsen because of a transfer window I think they'd have to review all the previous ones and see that no one has ever really rated any of them and yet the team constantly improves.

 

[GlastonSpur]

I agree that we could have done better in the window.

Specifically I think we need another creative option - though I'm assuming Barkley will be coming in January and then there's the obvious need for another pacey winger type.

Aside from Barkley in January I wouldn't expect to see anything else. Though I'd love to get Ryan Sessegnon and loan him back for the rest of the season. He could either be a potential Rose replacement (should he force move) or be a potential pace option further forward where we've seen him at times.

Overall though I think us as fans vastly overrate the transfer window. Last season saw us only really add Wanyama and yet we improved exponentially. For any to claim Spurs will worsen because of a transfer window I think they'd have to review all the previous ones and see that no one has ever really rated any of them and yet the team constantly improves.

Pochettino will have taken a very dim view of Rose's interview. So I think it's more a question of Pochettino being ruthless and giving him the boot next summer, assuming we can sign Sessegnon and get a block-buster fee for Rose.

 

[Sweech]

Pochettino will have taken a very dim view of Rose's interview. So I think it's more a question of Pochettino being ruthless and giving him the boot next summer, assuming we can sign Sessegnon and get a block-buster fee for Rose.

Either way it's the same outcome.

Ideally I'd like the Sessegnon deal done ASAP.

 

[africanspur]

Pleased overall with the transfer window, though I'd have preferred another pacy attacker who is adept at carrying the ball forward (like a Mane). Perhaps also someone in Eriksen's mould if he's injured or having a bad game (though perhaps we are awaiting Lamela to come back from injury or Barkley for that). Perhaps move along some of the deadwood too. Seems relatively clear that Barkley turned down Chelsea to await a move to us, which is pretty cool if true. Not too long ago that we'd struggle to sign anyone the richer clubs wanted.


The Burnley game was disappointing (as much for our performance and shockingly stupid in game management as it was for the result) but tbh, we tend to start seasons relatively slowly under Poch before we get moving so let's hope that will happen this time round too.

I think some of the abuse Trippier has gotten (including from Spurs fans) since the game has been unfair, especially as its since become very obvious that he agreed to play despite still having an ankle injury).

As it is, probably looking to line up like this if Sanchez starts playing straight away I'd imagine, though the next few games will give a clearer view of Poch's view:

Lloris

Sanchez
Alderweirald
Vertonghen

Aurier
Rose

Dembele
Wanyama

Eriksen
Dele

Kane

With a bench of

Vorm, Dier, Tripper/ KWP, Lamela/Winks, Son, Llorente, Edwards/ GKN/ Sissoko/ Janssen

Not too bad overall.

Should be an interesting season.

 

[sincher]

I've voted 'yes' to Spurs in the top 4 poll. However, I do worry a lot about the 'Wembley factor', though balanced against that is the view (a correct view IMO) that squad-wise we're little bit stronger than last season.

Also, Arsenal look all over the shop and Chelsea will IMO find the going a lot harder than last season.

All in all, I think the top 4 - in no particular order - will be City, Spurs, United and Liverpool. But I'd only give Spurs a 60 vs 40 chance of being in that group because of Wembley.

A bit surprising. Understand the concerns about Wembley but tend to think that will dissipate after a month or two or maybe sooner if you get a big win under your belt.

One thing I would say is that you should play the back three a bit less. I know it worked well end of last season but I think it stunts your attacking game a bit. I rate Son and think he should be getting more game time.

Aurier is potentially an amazing signing if he grows up a bit. I am not so sold on Sanchez as yet though promising. I would go back to Alderweireld and Vertonghen as a CB pair with Aurier and Rose as full backs and Dier/Wanyama and Dembele in front. That looks like the best overall defence in the league to me and would be a great platform for Son, Eriksen, Alli and Kane.

 

[africanspur]

A bit surprising. Understand the concerns about Wembley but tend to think that will dissipate after a month or two or maybe sooner if you get a big win under your belt.

One thing I would say is that you should play the back three a bit less. I know it worked well end of last season but I think it stunts your attacking game a bit. I rate Son and think he should be getting more game time.

Aurier is potentially an amazing signing if he grows up a bit. I am not so sold on Sanchez as yet though promising. I would go back to Alderweireld and Vertonghen as a CB pair with Aurier and Rose as full backs and Dier/Wanyama and Dembele in front. That looks like the best overall defence in the league to me and would be a great platform for Son, Eriksen, Alli and Kane.

----------------------Lloris----------------------

----Aurier---Alderweirald---Vertonghen---Rose

------Wanyama--------Dembele------------

-----Lamela/Son------Dele-------Eriksen---

----------------Kane---------------

Would certainly not be a bad line up either.

 

[sincher]

Pleased overall with the transfer window, though I'd have preferred another pacy attacker who is adept at carrying the ball forward (like a Mane). Perhaps also someone in Eriksen's mould if he's injured or having a bad game (though perhaps we are awaiting Lamela to come back from injury or Barkley for that). Perhaps move along some of the deadwood too. Seems relatively clear that Barkley turned down Chelsea to await a move to us, which is pretty cool if true. Not too long ago that we'd struggle to sign anyone the richer clubs wanted.


The Burnley game was disappointing (as much for our performance and shockingly stupid in game management as it was for the result) but tbh, we tend to start seasons relatively slowly under Poch before we get moving so let's hope that will happen this time round too.

I think some of the abuse Trippier has gotten (including from Spurs fans) since the game has been unfair, especially as its since become very obvious that he agreed to play despite still having an ankle injury).

As it is, probably looking to line up like this if Sanchez starts playing straight away I'd imagine, though the next few games will give a clearer view of Poch's view:

Lloris

Sanchez
Alderweirald
Vertonghen

Aurier
Rose

Dembele
Wanyama

Eriksen
Dele

Kane

With a bench of

Vorm, Dier, Tripper/ KWP, Lamela/Winks, Son, Llorente, Edwards/ GKN/ Sissoko/ Janssen

Not too bad overall.

Should be an interesting season.

----------------------Lloris----------------------

----Aurier---Alderweirald---Vertonghen---Rose

------Wanyama--------Dembele------------

-----Lamela/Son------Dele-------Eriksen---

----------------Kane---------------

Would certainly not be a bad line up either.

Yes that is what I mean. Son adds pace and goals to your attack. Your full backs have plenty too but I like Son's goal instincts.

 

[charlenefan]

A bit surprising. Understand the concerns about Wembley but tend to think that will dissipate after a month or two or maybe sooner if you get a big win under your belt.

Why would it? It's not like this is the same situation as a centre forward needing a goal and when one goes in the floodgates open, Spurs aren't suddenly going to make Wembley a fortress once they finally get a win there

 

[sincher]

Why would it? It's not like this is the same situation as a centre forward needing a goal and when one goes in the floodgates open, Spurs aren't suddenly going to make Wembley a fortress once they finally get a win there

Much of the problem is psychological isn't it? I mean the fans are there, the team is strong, the pitch not that different. Seems like exactly the kind of confidence issue that could be solved by a big win or two.

 

[KingMinger22]

Kane has stated himself, pointedly, that he desperately wants to win trophies.

I think that the competitive element of his personality is vastly underrated due to his manner and the general perception of him.

I do think he's more loyal than Alli or Eriksen, and if Spurs were to win even the League Cup he'd stay, but if they win nothing, again, I think 2 of the 3 will leave. Likewise if/when Pochettino leaves (something that surprisingly few people seem to entertain), Kane would look away I believe.

The bottom line is that if he keeps posting similar stats, Kane should soon be earning 200k plus a week, there's just no avoiding that, as should Alli, as should Eriksen. Add to that they want trophies.

You have to understand that unless Spurs do one of these, they will lose these players.

Also, Llorente is definitely good enough to be 1st choice striker for a team that finishes Top 4 and doesn't win trophies - not saying that's what Spurs will do, or not, just saying that he's easily good enough in a team that strong.

Kane is a superstar in the making IMO. Probably the face of English football within a year or two.

£200k pw would be cheap for a player of his status.

That matters little, because any signing-on fee will be far less than the savings on transfer fee. And the wages offered will most likely be the same as were on offer before.

We will see. If their is strong (top 6) competition for his signature, the signing bonus and wages could be huge.

This is something Wenger has predicted will happen. His insights into football finances are usually credible. He has an economics degree after all.

 

[charlenefan]

Much of the problem is psychological isn't it? I mean the fans are there, the team is strong, the pitch not that different. Seems like exactly the kind of confidence issue that could be solved by a big win or two.

whether the majority of spectators are Spurs fans or not they've lost the home advantage this season, whereas last season they beat City, Chelsea, Arsenal and United all at home with WHL playing a part in all of those games I wouldn't be surprised if the best they got from those games this year are draws.

All sides in recent years have struggled in the first season or so at a new stadium the sucky part for the Spurs supporters is though they've potentially got up to 3 years before they have a ground that feels like home again

 

[sincher]

Kane is a superstar in the making IMO. Probably the face of English football within a year or two.

£200k pw would be cheap for a player of his status.



We will see. If their is strong (top 6) competition for his signature, the signing bonus and wages could be huge.

This is something Wenger has predicted will happen. His insights into football finances are usually credible. He has an economics degree after all.

I think Wenger was quite honestly trying to cover over his blatant inability to get players to sign new contracts. I don't see big players running their contracts down at other clubs. Most are keen to get the pay uplift.

I mean look at DDG. Once Real was off last season he quickly saw sense and signed up again. I don't see Sanchez doing that, he will likely sign for City in January to start next season.

 

[GlastonSpur]

...
We will see. If their is strong (top 6) competition for his signature, the signing bonus and wages could be huge.

This is something Wenger has predicted will happen. His insights into football finances are usually credible. He has an economics degree after all.

Barkley has already turned down better wages at both Everton and Chelsea. Why? Because he wants to come to Spurs, play under Pochettino and believes he can/will break into our first XI.

So why is he going to sign for Arsenal or City or United simply because they also offer higher wages (and that's assuming that any of those clubs will actually want him)?

You might answer that he'd get a bigger signing-on bonus (in consideration of the fact that his transfer fee will be low in January, or zero as of next summer) than he'll get from Spurs. But I find it hard to believe that money is his over-riding motivation, given that he could now (if he'd signed for Chelsea) already be earning a lot more than he will be for the next 6 - 10 months at Everton.

I think he wants a step-up from Everton, to go where he thinks he'll get the best coaching and where he believes he'll stand a good chance of not just being mainly a bench-warmer. In his mind - in my opinion - that means Pochettino and Spurs.

 

[Glory Glory Denis Irwin]

Barkley has already turned down better wages at both Everton and Chelsea. Why? Because he wants to come to Spurs, play under Pochettino and believes he can/will break into our first XI.

So why is he going to sign for Arsenal or City or United simply because they also offer higher wages (and that's assuming that any of those clubs will actually want him)?

You might answer that he'd get a bigger signing-on bonus (in consideration of the fact that his transfer fee will be low in January, or zero as of next summer) than he'll get from Spurs. But I find it hard to believe that money is his over-riding motivation, given that he could now (if he'd signed for Chelsea) already be earning a lot more than he will be for the next 6 - 10 months at Everton.

I think he wants a step-up from Everton, to go where he thinks he'll get the best coaching and where he believes he'll stand a good chance of not just being mainly a bench-warmer. In his mind - in my opinion - that means Pochettino and Spurs.

But is he really going to be more that a bench-warmer for Spurs? He's not better than Eriksen or Alli and he doesn't have the tactical nous to play centre mid. I feel like Spurs fans want him because they think Pochettino can turn him into the player he suggested he can be a few years ago, but it's a big gamble from the lad. He's going to need to step up massively to break into the team as a first-choice player.

 

[Sweech]

But is he really going to be more that a bench-warmer for Spurs? He's not better than Eriksen or Alli and he doesn't have the tactical nous to play centre mid. I feel like Spurs fans want him because they think Pochettino can turn him into the player he suggested he can be a few years ago, but it's a big gamble from the lad. He's going to need to step up massively to break into the team as a first-choice player.

He could also play on the right like he did for Everton last season. He was quite good in the role too, his deliveries to Lukaku were superb.

 

[Damien]

Not been a good week for Janssen.

 

[roonster09]

Not been a good week for Janssen.

Surprising a team that relies on academy have problem fielding home grown players.

 

[Random Task]

Not suprised by Janssen failing to make the cut, but Lamela is a very surprising omission.

Fail to adhere to the HG rules and you pay the price.

 

[Damien]

Not suprised by Janssen failing to make the cut, but Lamela is a very surprising omission.

Fail to adhere to the HG rules and you pay the price.

Lamela's out until October with injury so they probably saw him as most expendable.

 

[RooneyLegend]

They seem not to want to make the final step, its as if they are content with where they are and so is everyone else. Pundits asking what they could add to improve as if it would be that hard. Its a shame imo as they are so close but will always be that little short.

 

[Sweech]

Lamela's out until October with injury so they probably saw him as most expendable.

Yeah and there's an opportunity to change the submitted players following the group stages - should Spurs even make it past the group stages. Is there not? I would guess that's when the club would decide whether to add Lamela or not.

This goes deeper into why I don't understand clubs having foreign third keepers. Gazzanigga is using up a foreign slot and likely will never see play. I also even doubt whether he's actually all that much better than an academy keeper.

 

[Slevs]

So what happens if Kane gets injured? Do they have any decent strikers other than these 2?

 

[ti vu]

So what happens if Kane gets injured? Do they have any decent strikers other than these 2?

I just bought Llorente. Lamely hasn't played for Tottenham in a long time.

Yeah and there's an opportunity to change the submitted players following the group stages - should Spurs even make it past the group stages. Is there not? I would guess that's when the club would decide whether to add Lamela or not.

This goes deeper into why I don't understand clubs having foreign third keepers. Gazzanigga is using up a foreign slot and likely will never see play. I also even doubt whether he's actually all that much better than an academy keeper.

Yeah. The third GK situation is strange. Even if that's third GK is no better than academy keeper, there is very little chance he would be counted upon. Wasting a slot seems just strange.

Regarding Klassen. He made poor choice not moving away in the summer when he had a chance. With Llorente in the contention, I don't see he's getting game time in CL & PL at all.

 

[GlastonSpur]

They seem not to want to make the final step, its as if they are content with where they are and so is everyone else. Pundits asking what they could add to improve as if it would be that hard. Its a shame imo as they are so close but will always be that little short.

Well, if you have the answers ... who could we have signed that would improve us?

 

[RooneyLegend]

Well, if you have the answers ... who could we have signed that would improve us?

Not looking to far, Mahrez for one would certainly improve you guys. Sakho too, as i think playing against really good teams(i.e in the CL) having Vertoghen will be a liability. Ever Banega too given just how poor in passing your midfield is. None of them expensive, all of them players you guys could afford.

 

[GlastonSpur]

Not looking to far, Mahrez for one would certainly improve you guys. Sakho too, as i think playing against really good teams(i.e in the CL) having Vertoghen will be a liability. Ever Banega too given just how poor in passing your midfield is. None of them expensive, all of them players you guys could afford.

Sakho is not a better CB than Vertonghen. Mahrez would obviously be good as a squad addition, but I don't see who he'd replace in our first XI ... and he'd cost too much money for just a squad option.

 

[AR87]

Sakho is not a better CB than Vertonghen. Mahrez would obviously be good as a squad addition, but I don't see who he'd replace in our first XI ... and he'd cost too much money for just a squad option.

Competition for places is a good thing and Mahrez would likely work his way into the XI at some point because of his threat on the counter and because he adds a level of creativity and goal threat none of your other wide players provide. He could easily slide into the side in place of Son. Additionally I think his game would work very well in combination with Aurier.

 

[GlastonSpur]

Competition for places is a good thing and Mahrez would likely work his way into the XI at some point because of his threat on the counter and because he adds a level of creativity and goal threat none of your other wide players provide. He could easily slide into the side in place of Son. Additionally I think his game would work very well in combination with Aurier.

Son scored 21 goals for Spurs last season. Mahrez scored 10.

Of course that's not the only measure of valuable contribution, but it does place a big question mark of over your notion of "easily" replacing Son.

 

[theyneverlearn]

No mention of Alderweireld's agent's recent comments?

“If you only look at his figures, Toby is impressive and for his performances, he deserves either a correct contract from Tottenham or a transfer".

“For a transfer, you know that he can only leave Tottenham for seven or eight teams and almost all the other top clubs are interested in Toby".

“There are not a lot of central defenders of his kind, so they are sought after. But those clubs also know that they have to negotiate with (Tottenham chairman) Daniel Levy.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football...ld-plunges-spurs-future-doubt-demand-correct/

It mentions his age as being 30 when the potential release clause gets activated, which at 25million will seem like an absolute steal. His age and experience would be vital and he seems the sort of defender that can continue on for a few more years into his 30s.

Let's see how Spurs play this out, they seem to have managed to tie down a few of their other main players, but he is their best defender and one of, if not, the best in the PL currently.

 

[AR87]

Son scored 21 goals for Spurs last season. Mahrez scored 10.

Of course that's not the only measure of valuable contribution, but it does place a big question mark of over your notion of "easily" replacing Son.

Mahrez was the most creative and best attacking player in a side that won the league. Son is a good player, but his output is based on others like Eriksen and Alli creating for him. Mahrez can create for others and add a dimension to your attack you don't currently possess.

 

[ValenciasDrilledCrosses]

Mahrez was the most creative and best attacking player in a side that won the league. Son is a good player, but his output is based on others like Eriksen and Alli creating for him. Mahrez can create for others and add a dimension to your attack you don't currently possess.

No you've made the mistake of thinking this Spurs team can be improved they are perfect

 

[edcunited1878]

Mahrez was the most creative and best attacking player in a side that won the league. Son is a good player, but his output is based on others like Eriksen and Alli creating for him. Mahrez can create for others and add a dimension to your attack you don't currently possess.

No offense, but you're only as good as your last season and Mahrez was half the player he was two years ago. Son is a really good player for Spurs, especially on the left side which is a side Mahrez doesn't play. Eriksen runs the show and it would be interesting to see if Mahrez and Eriksen could coexist on the pitch together. Eriksen has a free role between the lines and his link up play to Kane and Alli is great to watch, but that was with a lot of ball hawking players behind him in Wanyama and Dembele will Kyle Walker flanking him.

Signing Sissoko was a complete failure that never gets brought up. Lamela is crocked. Spurs are missing a right sided player, but Aurier will help them.

 

[GlastonSpur]

No you've made the mistake of thinking this Spurs team can be improved they are perfect

That's not the point and you know it. Of course if we signed Messi or Neymar (for example) they would improve us. The question is: which players could we both attract and afford who would improve us?