Opinion: The Tottenham squad – 28 players: Stay, loan or go?

Antonio Conte is at the helm for Tottenham, and its decision time for both the players and manager.

For the players the question is, will they grit their teeth and put in the work to play at the best and prove themselves under Conte, and the manager will be the man to decide whether the players have put enough work in or if it’s time to move them on.

However, in this article it will be me making the decisions.

Goalkeepers:

Hugo Lloris: The Frenchman has been a staple of Tottenham for the past 9 years or so since joining from Lyon in 2012, his deal is set to expire soon and the club seem in no hurry to renew, which would be a huge mistake and he should be signed up to a new deal soon, even if it is for the short term.

Pierluigi Gollini: The Italian is technically on loan from Atalanta, but it is believed if he reaches a certain number of appearances he will sign permanently, I would keep the back up keeper as it will be tough to find a high-quality replacement who would be willing to be a clear backup to Lloris.

Brandon Austin: The 22-year-old keeper is young and still learning, Brandon has had a few loan moves to Orlando City and Viborg but keeping him as a third option in between the sticks can surely cause no harm and give him the opportunity to learn off the experienced Hugo Lloris.

Defenders:

Matt Doherty: The right-wing back has struggled for form since joining Spurs and I would be inclined to sell before his value drops even further, if not then keep as a last resort in the right back position.

Ben Davies: The Welshman seems to be liked by Conte, and I would keep the 28-year-old due to his ability to play left back and on the left side of a three back, but I would look to replace him in the coming seasons.

Eric Dier: A player who splits opinion amongst fans, he is definitely not good enough to start, which he has done recently, so I would aim to ship the defender out whilst he is still holding some value and use the money towards signing a new top-quality centre-back to partner Romero.

Davinson Sanchez: Prone to a mistake and very hit and miss at the back, Davinson Sanchez is a strange player, I would try to find another club for the Columbian, if a replacement could be found, as depth in defence will be key if Conte stays with a three / five back formation.

Joe Rodon: A very promising centre-back when he’s played, but oddly has seemed to lack game time, would offer out on loan if he isn’t going to receive any game time at Spurs this season.

Sergio Reguilon: A player with huge potential to grow under Antonio Conte as he will receive more of a licence to attack as a left-wing back, definitely keep and hope that Real Madrid don’t opt to engage his buy-back clause as the Spaniard hopefully develops.

Ryan Sessegnon: He has been unfortunate with so many repetitive injuries to his hamstring, but with him returning to fitness he seems like a perfect Conte wing-back and a great player to battle Reguilon for the left-wing back spot.

Emerson Royal: He seemingly just keeps improving after every game, after a shaky start Emerson is shaping up to be a perfect fit for Conte and Tottenham, currently I would definitely keep and will be intrigued to see how he develops as a player over the next few season

Japhet Tanganga: Japhet was rumoured to be close to departing the club this summer on loan, something which shocked most Spurs fans and were happy to see the player stay at Hotspur Way, however the young defender has lacked opportunities this season, therefore if an opportunity arose that was an attractive option for Japhet I’d be inclined to approve the loan, if not he can provide great cover, in many roles, due to his versatility.

Maksim Paskotsi: The young Estonian centre-half certainly has plenty of potential but may benefit from a loan like fellow teammate Oliver Skipp.

Midfielders:

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: Certain performances of Pierre’s have dropped off slightly in the past weeks, compared to his extremely impressive 2020-21 season, but the Dane offers a lot of fight and leadership to the side and is a valuable member of the squad to keep.

Dele Alli: Probably the most frustrating player at the club, clearly has the ability to be a top, top player but his last few years have been painfully poor, now that he doesn’t even look to be caring or putting his all in it seems it’s finally the time to move on and sell Alli and stop having a poor influence and passenger in the squad, the fact that Conte will want to establish a strong work ethic in the squad will just be another reason for Alli to go after Mourinho labelled him a ‘lazy trainer’ during his tenure at the club.

Harry Winks: Has been poor and lacklustre for numerous seasons now after his impressive 2017/18 season, with a lack of good performances for too long now I’d give Winks until January to prove himself, and if he hasn’t shown enough by then I’d try find the Englishman a new club and leave room for a youngster such as Alfie Devine to develop and get game time.

Giovani Lo Celso: A player that will also be given the next few months to prove himself, otherwise he will likely be out the door. Impressed with Argentina but has struggled over the past season or so with Spurs.

Tanguy Ndombele: The fact that Conte reportedly wanted to sign Ndombele at Inter Conte wants Ndombele at Inter – Football Italia (football-italia.net) can only be a positive, a player with all the potential in the world, and if Conte harnesses that we could have a world-beating midfielder, not time to give up on Tanguy yet.

Oliver Skipp: The young midfielder seems to have left an outstanding impression on the new manager, and his performances have been just as outstanding, could be a staple for Spurs’ midfield for years to come, definitely keep.

Harvey White: The twenty-year-old would likely do well at having another one, following his short loan last season to Portsmouth, if not he can keep aiding the U23 team as he has done so far this season.

Bryan Gil: The Spaniard has shown great desire, passion and promise each time he’s entered the pitch, something which will get him far under Conte, a great option for the squad, keep.

Alfie Devine: Since joining from Wigan Alfie has impressed at youth level and even scored already for Spurs in the FA Cup against Marine, has shown great promise, and would be tempted to send him on loan to a league one side to prosper and gain experience, however I would be wary not to let his career fizzle out.

Attackers:

Harry Kane: He wanted to go, and I say if he still wants to leave, let him go in the summer. The new era at Tottenham will require players 100% focus, however Conte is such a great performance that I believe Harry might feel Tottenham isn’t the worst place for him after all. Needs to step up soon though and show to Conte he’s committed and getting back to his best, otherwise I’d let Harry go and cash in to kickstart a completely new era, as much as it would pain me and fans likewise.

Heung-Min Son: Following Kane’s transfer saga Son has yet again stepped up for Tottenham and shown his irreplaceable value to Tottenham, after signing a new bumper contract recently also I can’t see Sonny going anywhere which is brilliant news and I wish to see him ripping it up for the lilywhites for the coming years.

Lucas Moura: A predicament within the squad as the Brazilian is only getting older, but he still does offer all his efforts and ability for the squad, and is clearly a popular member within the team, would definitely keep hold of Lucas unless a right offer came in that meant we could replace him accordingly.

Steven Bergwijn: It’s been a turbulent past season or so for Bergwijn, injuries and Mourinho have set back his development and form, and he struggled to recapture that, however firing his national team, Netherlands, to the World Cup can only do his confidence the world of good, another player that I would offer the next few months to, to prove himself.

Jack Clarke: A very strange signing from the beginning, never really been a part of the first team, but seems too expensive a signing to be sitting in the U23’s, would look to send Jack out on loan for more experience.

Dane Scarlett: A player who easily has the potential and ability to be a top, top striker, and in addition to the fact he’s only the second recognised striker at the club I’d keep the young striker, however I would definitely be in the market for a 2^nd striker in January as all responsibility, to deputy Kane, cannot be placed upon such young shoulders.

Related Topics