Let’s face it, last season is one that will not live long in the memory for the Spurs faithful. A series of turbulent team performances, the departures of some of the clubs most valuable members and to cap it all off a trophy-less campaign with a sixth-place finish.
Getting European football secured for next season was in itself a fairly good achievement, considering the position we found ourselves in when Mourinho took over.
After some unfortunate circumstances, we now have to go through a qualifying campaign for Europe’s second-best competition, which was frowned upon by many. However, I believe that it could be a huge blessing in disguise for Jose Mourinho’s squad.
Over the last few years, Spurs fans have become accustomed to hearing the Champions League anthem ring around the stadium but it is vital we do not forget the opportunities the Europa League handed to some of our players.
Most notably, Harry Kane made his senior debut for Spurs in the competition all the way back in the 2011/12 season, and that same campaign saw Kane grab his first goal for the club in a match against Shamrock Rovers (Tottenham Hotspur).
The rest really is history for our number 10 as he has blossomed into one of the top strikers in world football.
Heung Min Son, who is without a doubt one of the clubs most prolific players and one we rely heavily on to this day, scored his first goal on N17 soil in the competition when we welcomed Qarabag to White Hart Lane (Wikipedia).
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The list of players we have developed due to playing in the Europa League really does go on and on, and many of the youngsters on the cusp of the starting 11 will know it could be their breakthrough moment.
Mourinho is faced with a jammed packed schedule early on in the season, so rotation will be key in ensuring we remain in contention for all four competitions.
The key players will need to be rested after league games which should open the door for new people to enter to fray in midweek.
One of the most exciting prospects in the club’s ranks is defender Japhet Tanganga, who was extremely impressive throughout his handful of appearances last season. With the back four looking relatively certain for next season, Tanganga should without a doubt, be one of the main men to help in the fight for a group stage spot.
Experience is key for the 21-year-old, who has already shown he has the potential to be a special player and the competition will provide a platform to do that. A platform that the world-class nature of the Champions League would not have presented the team with.
Another individual whom Spurs fans are desperate to see succeed in North London is Ryan Sessegnon, who failed to grab himself a starting role in Mourinho’s team last season.
The 20-year-old has the experience, having made over 100 senior club appearances, which means he could finally fulfil his potential in a Spurs shirt on the Europa League stage.
The list of players who we could see breakthrough really is endless so it is looking like very exciting times ahead for everyone involved with Spurs.
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