Opinion: Five Spurs players who could benefit from a new manager

With Jose Mourinho now gone, there is a fresh chance for a few Spurs fringe players to make a case for themselves under a new manager.

Let’s take a look at our top five:

Steven Bergwijn

Steven Bergwijn looked like he could be the next big thing at Tottenham after his signing in January. Scoring wonder goals against both Manchester clubs in his first few months at the club, Bergwijn seemed to be the real deal.

Unfortunately, the Dutch international has had a rough season. Zero goals and two assists, Bergwijn has been the target of online abuse. Something that has no doubt hampered his confidence in front of goal.

Steven was also likely frustrated as his main role in Spurs’ attack seemed to be to draw defenders away from Kane and Son.

The 23-year-old did not seem to fit into Mourinho’s system well. Bergwijn flourished at PSV where they played dominant possession-based football and he had plenty of chances to put the ball in the back of the net.

At Tottenham however, Mourinho’s system relied on forwards being clinical and scoring with limited chances. In Stevie’s last season at PSV, he averaged a shot every 38.8 minutes. This season, Bergwijn has averaged a shot every 94 minutes.

Bergwijn could use a new manager with a new system that gives the forwards plenty of opportunities to rack up their goals. If he gets this, Bergwijn could build up his confidence and return to his goal-scoring self.

Japhet Tanganga

Another player who could benefit from a new manager is Japhet Tanganga. The key with Tanganga is that Mourinho preferred him as a right-back despite Tanganga growing up a centre-back.

When played as a right-back, Tanganga has been criticised due to his lack of attacking output. If the young Englishman were to play for a coach that considered him a centre-back, he would not have this problem.

Tanganga also struggled for game time under Mourinho, playing only eleven games this season. Perhaps under a new manager, Tanganga would be given more opportunities to impress.

Harry Winks

Under Jose Mourinho’s counter-attack-focused side, a player like Harry Winks was not necessary. The Englishman likes to connect passes and dictate the tempo of the game, commonly slowing it down to his pace.

For this reason, Winks and Mourinho were not a good pair. Should Spurs go with a new possession-focused manager, Winks could find himself back as a first-team regular.

Winks has played in both fixtures under Ryan Mason, who, coincidentally, wants Tottenham to play with possession. Perhaps this foreshadows the 25-year-old’s return to the starting line-up.

Dele Alli

A player in desperate need of a fresh start is Dele Alli. Frozen out by Jose, Dele has only played seven minutes since Spurs’ embarrassing result against Dinamo Zagreb, and six of them came under Ryan Mason.

Fortunately for Spurs fans, Dele is contracted at the club until 2024. And due to his age and nationality, Levy will charge a premium for him, a premium no one is likely to pay due to the COVID crisis.

Unless a loan deal is struck, Dele is likely to stay at the club for another season. The Englishman’s flicks and tricks did not go down well with Jose but could be seen as a strength with a new, attacking manager.

Matt Doherty

Another player who could use a fresh start is Matthew Doherty. Following a largely disappointing first season in the English capital, many Spurs fans want the club to sell the Irishman.

However, under a new manager, Doherty could greatly improve upon his performances, particularly if said manager plays with wingbacks.

This would put Doherty back into his preferred role and help with his confidence for next season. The Irishman could be seen as one of Spurs’ strongest assets if everything falls into place for him.

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