The Tottenham players have just a few weeks to prove themselves until Antonio Conte can dip into the January transfer window.
So let’s take a look at my thoughts on each:
Hugo Lloris – This man has nothing to prove. However, he may want to put extra focus on his ability with the ball at his feet to impress Conte. Either way, I expect a new contract soon and Hugo to remain number one for Conte’s full reign.
Pierluigi Gollini – It hasn’t been a dream start for him. Clearly very talented but not too many opportunities on the pitch. I suspect he could go back to Atalanta if Hugo signs a new deal. Essentially, he needs to play for his Spurs future this season and impress Conte.
Sergio Reguilon – He needs to step up. Conte’s success has always been defined by wing-backs who can consistently score goals and assist goals. Reguilon has the talent to do just this. Now he needs to live up to that talent and make the LWB role his own. I have faith.
Ryan Sessegnon – First up, he needs to make ammends for that woeful red card. First impressions count and that was a bad one. However, this formation is perfect for Sess. Conte will rotate and he will get chances. He needs to show he is worthy of a long-term place at LWB.
Emerson Royal – This one is tricky. Either he needs to step up and show he can contribute regular goals and assists or he needs to drop back into the right side of the back three. I’m leaning towards the latter but am willing for him to prove me wrong. Great player either way.
Matt Doherty – This is his golden chance at a Spurs revival. He was the best RWB in the league at Wolves. Now he needs to step up and prove that again under Conte. We know he has the goals and assists in him, it’s just whether he can rekindle that form. I think he can.
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Japhet Tanganga – Stuck between positions. Is he a RB, a CB or a RWB? I think he is perfectly suited to RCB and needs to compete hard with Sanchez for that while Romero is injured. Japhet needs game time to improve now. Either win a spot or find a loan move in order to grow.
Joe Rodon – He needs a 6 month loan for me. Looks like an incredible player and I love watching him, but I want to watch him every week. If he is behind Dier in the pecking order, a loan move is his only route to regular football. I think he has a very high ceiling.
Davinson Sanchez – This is his final chance, in my opinion. A player with great talent but has always lacked consistency during longer spells in the XI. We have seen a back three become the making of certain CBs so let’s hope that can be the case.
Ben Davies – Finally playing in his best position. As good a player as Ben is, he never quite fit the mould of a modern-day full-back. LCB, however, suits him down to the ground and we are finally seeing some of his best form. Long may it continue.
Cristian Romero – Essentially, get back fit as soon as possible. Once he does that, I’m sure he will make RCB his own. The only room for improvement in the PL will be his recklessness in terms of yellows and reds. Beyond that, he looks absolutely class.
Eric Dier – Carry on smashing it! Dier has long since frustrated fans but a back three could see him thrive with his midfielder/defender hybrid past. Honestly, he has not put a foot wrong since Conte came in and his main aim should be doing that over a full season.
Oliver Skipp – Keep your feet on the ground and carry on doing what you are doing. His defensive work, fitness and desire is top rate. Moving forward, he needs to work on his drive and final ball/shot, which Conte has already nodded to. Very exciting prospect.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – He needs to channel his inner Denmark form. We have seen him step out and show his attacking talents on the international stage. In that central two, he now needs to be the one who chips in with goals and assists regularly. He definitely has the ability.
Harry Winks – I think chances will come for Harry over December and January. He just has to take them. There is a talented player in there, he just needs his confidence back. Even if he does end up going on loan or being sold, I think he has a big future in the game.
Tanguy Ndombele – Conte has always liked to rotate in a more creative CM, like Fabregas at Chelsea. If Ndombele gets his head down and works hard, Conte could make him world class. As always with Tanguy, the main obstacle is his own mentality.
Giovani Lo Celso – Will likely get chances both as a CM creator and as the right-sided number 10. Gio finally needs to step up and show that Argentine form, becoming the chief creator for Spurs. We need goals and assists every other game from him.
Dele Alli – I think he is more likely to get minutes in one of the # 10 roles. Like Winks, he has to take these chances and show he can reach his past levels. If not, a loan or permanent exit could be on the cards. Either way, I think with regular football he could rise again.
Lucas Moura – Conte has already hinted that he loves Moura as a player but wants him to get more regular goals/assists. In recent weeks, Lucas has done just that. He isn’t Kane or Son, but I could see him getting 15 goals and assists across the season.
Steven Bergwijn – It’s now or never for Stevie. Whether it’s as a number nine, number ten, or RWB, he needs to earn a regular place under Conte. So much immense talent, you just feel he is the kind of player who needs to start every week to find form. Fingers crossed.
Heung-min Son – The switch from LW to number 10 has been tough on him. Instead of playing wide on the shoulder, he is now deeper in a pocket. That takes some getting used to. However, even an out of form Son has been bagging goals and assists so I am very excited.
Bryan Gil – This was always going to be a season of few minutes for Gil. I almost wonder whether it would have been best to immediately loan him out to a Brighton or something. He is such a talent but still very raw. That talent needs regular PL minutes ASAP.
Dane Scarlett – For now, in a busy winter fixture schedule, you are the second choice striker. It is highly likely you will get a chance at some point. Work hard and take it with both hands. An academy starlet and a viable first team option are different things. Let’s go, Dane!
Harry Kane – Listen, Kane is Kane. He will score a load no matter the manager. Conte has always managed to get the most from his number nines too. No worried here at all. The goals will come eventually. Maybe a new contract too?
For youngsters like Markanday, White, John, Clarke etc, it is all about using first-team training sessions as a chance to catch Conte’s eye. If not for senior football, for him to take your name and ask for you to be loaned out.
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