With Daniel Levy having departed Tottenham Hotspur after nearly 25 years as chairman, we have taken a look at the former chairman’s greatest Spurs XI.
Tottenham Hotspur have now embarked on a new era following the departure of former chairman Daniel Levy. A Carabao Cup triumph in 2008 and a Europa League win in 2024 were the rare pieces of silverware on his watch.
The 63-year-old steps away after becoming the longest-serving chairman in Premier League history, overseeing a turbulent yet defining 24-year tenure that shaped the modern identity of the club.
However, while there were frustrations and what-ifs along the way, Tottenham played some of their most exciting football during Daniel Levy’s era, and here we look at the standout performers who formed his very best XI.
Daniel Levy’s best Tottenham XI
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris: The Frenchman stands out as one of Tottenham’s modern-day greats, having captained the side for nine years and spent eleven seasons in north London, and while he never lifted silverware with Spurs, he was the leader between the posts during the unforgettable run to the 2019 Champions League final.
Centre-back – Jan Vertonghen: A cult hero and a fan favourite, Vertonghen formed one of the club’s most reliable centre-back pairings alongside Toby Alderweireld, playing over 200 matches in a Lilywhite shirt across all competitions, and he remains one of the most astute signings Levy ever sanctioned.
Centre-back – Ledley King: A one-club man and a symbol of loyalty, King came through the academy, made more than 300 appearances, captained Spurs to the 2008 Carabao Cup and retired in 2012 with legendary status secured. He later served the club as a coach before taking up his current role as ambassador.
Centre-back – Kyle Walker: The England international was a dynamic full-back who brought pace and energy to the flank, and while he did not win silverware during his time at Tottenham, his eventual transfer to Manchester City delivered a significant fee that underlined his value.
Midfield – Luka Modric: The Croatian playmaker was simply one of the finest midfielders ever to play for Tottenham, and his eventual move to Real Madrid confirmed his quality on the world stage. Modric later went on to win the Ballon d’Or, and even now, Spurs fans remain open to seeing Modric return to N17.
Midfield – Christian Eriksen: The Dane was the creative heartbeat of Tottenham during the Levy era. He orchestrated play with his vision, he scored decisive goals from set pieces and distance, and he amassed 69 goals and 88 assists during his time in North London. He also played a key role in Spurs’ run to the Champions League final in 2019.
Midfield – Mousa Dembele: Few players have left such a lasting void; Dembele’s blend of power, balance and technical skill made him almost impossible to dispossess. He also dictated the tempo of matches in a way Tottenham have struggled to replace ever since, with countless former teammates calling Dembele one of the best they ever played alongside. There are big shouts for the best player in the Levy era.
Right midfield – Aaron Lennon: Lightning quick and always direct, Lennon stretched defences and provided the spark in wide areas for over a decade. He made 364 appearances, playing a central role in Tottenham’s growth during the 2000s and helping deliver the 2008 League Cup.
Left midfield – Gareth Bale: No player symbolised transformation under Levy quite like Bale, who evolved from a left-back into a global superstar. His 2012-13 season, capped by both PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards, made him unplayable and paved the way for a world-record move to Real Madrid that elevated Tottenham’s profile worldwide.
Striker – Harry Kane: The greatest striker of the Levy era and Tottenham’s all-time leading scorer with 280 goals, Kane rose through the academy ranks to become a world-class forward who combined lethal finishing with an ability to create for others, and his consistency cemented his place as one of the finest players in club history.
Striker – Heung-min Son: The South Korean forward brought pace, flair and a lethal eye for goal, forming an iconic partnership with Kane and becoming the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot and surpass 100 goals in the competition. His famous solo strike against Burnley earned him the FIFA Puskas Award, and his Europa League triumph further secured his legendary status at Spurs. Making him an astute signing back in 2015.