Opinion: Rating every Tottenham player out of 10 for season so far

With a quarter of the season now played and the first international break over, now seems like the time to stop and assess the season, so here are each Spurs player’s ratings out of 10 so far (for those who have played meaningful minutes).

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris8.5/10

Unsurprisingly, Lloris has once again begun the season in fine form.

Spurs fans have become accustomed to the Frenchman making seemingly impossible saves, with Lloris delivering again this campaign when his side has needed him most.

Before the two late goals at Sporting Lisbon, Lloris made several great saves to keep us in the game, and his heroics against Fulham helped Spurs preserve three well-deserved points.

The Frenchman is ever dependable and has been a standout performer so far.

Defenders

Emerson Royal – 4/10

Emerson Royal has been in the headlines for Spurs all season, just not for the right reasons. 

Despite starting all but one game, he has been consistently poor, with his non-existing attacking threat regularly letting Tottenham down.

As a right-back by trade he is playing out of position, but in truth that offers little protection for the unacceptable standard of his football this season, unquestionably being the worst player in the side.

Antonio Conte will no doubt be eager for Matt Doherty’s return to full fitness, with Emerson surely set to become backup to a more Conte-like, attack-minded wingback.

Ben Davies – 6.5/10

Once again, Davies has been characteristically dependable for Tottenham.

The Welshman has quietly gone about his business, being a reliable figure in Conte’s side.

In truth, there’s not a lot to say about Davies, he’s been fine – good even, and that’s about it.

Cristian Romero – 7/10

After a spectacular debut campaign in 2021/22, Romero has perhaps gone under the radar this season.

The Argentine has been overshadowed by an in-form Eric Dier, but this doesn’t detract from the fact he is a rock in Spurs’ defence.

With an impressive 2.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per 90 (Whoscored), Romero remains an active, front-footed defender, and is a notable absence when not in the team.

Davinson Sanchez – 5/10

Sanchez’s performances have been a mixed bag this season. 

In making 0.8 dribbles, 4.8 clearances, and 3 tackles per 90, he is Tottenham’s most active defender – beating each of his fellow Spurs centre-backs in said metrics.

However, the Columbian is prone to unforced, often cataclysmic errors, with this season no exception, meaning Spurs fans will forever breathe a sigh of relief each time he makes one of said 4.8 clearances per game.

Whilst his own misgivings are perhaps overshadowed by that of Emerson’s, all-in-all, Sanchez has been a relatively able deputy in Romero’s absences, however, that’s all he should remain.

Eric Dier – 7.5/10

Without doubt, Dier has been Tottenham’s best defender this season, with his recall to the England squad ahead of the World Cup testament to that.

The Englishman has played every available league minute, has the most passes of any Spurs player (Premier League), and has even chipped in with goals against Southampton and Leicester (Transfermarkt).

His leadership at the back is vital to the side, and will no doubt remain a permanent fixture for Conte going forward.

Clement Lenglet – 7/10

Considering left centre-back was a clear target for Spurs last summer, Lenglet’s arrival was a tad disappointing, but his performances have quickly won fans over.

The Frenchman has started the last two league games, and alongside being an astute defender, his line-breaking forward passes are perhaps what have caught our eye the most.

One particular ball to Richarlison against Fulham stood out amongst the rest, and we can expect to see more like this as he grows into the side.

Even if he only spends a season at N17, Lenglet has certainly been a sound pick-up.

Ivan Perisic – 8/10

Since arriving, Perisic has been a breath of fresh air for Spurs fans. 

Finally, we have seen first-hand what Conte can do with a wingback in his mould, as the Croatian’s attacking threat has been profound registering three assists in the league already.

Moreover, Perisic’s quality from set-pieces has proved vital for Tottenham, helping rescue a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian has been amongst Spurs’ best players thus far, fully justifying s his impressive rating.

Ryan Sessegnon – 6/10

Hit and miss is the best way to describe Sessegnon at this point. His opening day performance at Southampton was inspired, even managing to bag himself a rare goal, but since then his form has been patchy.

The Englishman clearly has the ability to become a top player, but consistency is a problem, and now Perisic is now clearly first choice his game time could be limited.

At just 22, Sessegnon is still relatively inexperienced in the Premier League so any minutes he can pick up will help his development, but his performances at this stage still leave a lot to be desired.

Midfielders

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg – 9/10

At least to the eye test, Hojbjerg has perhaps been Tottenham’s player of the season so far. The Dane has been dynamic this campaign, and alongside Kane, is one of two Spurs players in Sofascore’s top 10 players of the season (SofaScore).

Despite playing arguably a more defensive role, Hojbjerg has been impactful going forward, and with two goals and an assist already in the league is on for his record-breaking season in terms of personal attacking returns.

Hojbjerg also boasts the most touches of any Spurs player this season, indicative of his role as an all-action midfielder and as a pivotal cog in Conte’s side.

Rodrigo Bentancur – 8/10

Having partnered Hojbjerg for most of the season so far, Bentancur’s performances may have gone somewhat under the radar.

The Uruguayan has gone about his work quietly this season, continuing to prove a steal for the £17 million fee paid in January. 

He’s oozed consistency thus far; possessing an unmatched ability to take the ball in tight spaces, turn, and release a pass – a useful trait in Spurs often-dominated two-man midfield.

Bentancur puts in an 8/10 performance every week, exactly what you want in a central midfielder, so his rating should come as no surprise.

Yves Bissouma – 5/10

Bissouma will undoubtedly become an elite midfielder for Spurs, his time at Brighton has shown us that much – but his Tottenham career has started slowly.

Arriving with a slight injury certainly hampered any immediate progression; with his return not being helped by the stellar form of Hojbjerg and Bentancur.

The Malian has played just 22% of available league minutes for Spurs thus far, mostly through late-ish substitute appearances, but is bound to feature more heavily with a busy schedule ahead.

A 20-minute cameo against Leicester was Bissouma’s standout performance in a Spurs shirt, so if nothing else he is at least moving in the right direction as far as Conteball is concerned.

Forwards

Harry Kane – 8/10

Anyone still questioning whether Harry Kane could score goals in August has been met with a definite, categoric, unequivocal yes.

Four goals in his first four games and six overall in the league leaves Kane amongst the top scorers; trailing only to the high-flying Erling Haaland and level with the now Premier League proven marksman Alexander Mitrovic.

Alongside Hojbjerg, Kane is the other Spurs player in SofaScore’s Premier League top 10 – sitting sixth, with this ranking indicative of his performances at this point.

Once again, Kane has scored goals, is anyone surprised?

Heung-Min Son – 6/10

Spurs fans were eager to see last season’s Golden Boot winner back in action, but unfortunately, Son has been disappointing.

In fairness he’s been unlucky, having hit the woodwork several times and squandered multiple usual-converted chances, so hopefully, his hat-trick against Leicester will be the catalyst he needed.

Now he’s opened his account, fully expect Son to kick on and get back to his best, but given his underwhelming start, it’s hard to rate him too highly at the moment.

Richarlison – 8/10

Paying £60 million for Richarlison certainly raised a few eyebrows, but so far, the Brazilian has been excellent in a Spurs shirt.

The forwards relentless energy and pressing have made him a hit amongst fans, whilst two goals in the Champions League and two assists in the league has seen him start repaying his fee.

Moreover, breaking into Conte’s frontline after last season is testament to exactly how good the Brazilian has been as many fans, including myself, expected him to remain a rotation option for the foreseeable future.

All in all, Richarlison has made a strong start to life in North London and has quickly become a fan-favourite. Viva la Pigeon!

Dejan Kulusevski – 7/10

Since arriving from Juventus back in January, Kulusevski has been electric for Spurs. In just over 500 league minutes this season, the Swede has one goal and three assists, and although he’s spent time on the bench as a consequence of Richarlison’s emergence is no fault of his own.

Kulusevski has remained a threat, helping change the game against Marseille providing the late spark Spurs needed to win the game. Ever-dependable, the Swede has continued in the same vein as last season and is still one of the league’s best attacking players.

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