Opinion: What Tottenham need to do to challenge for trophies long-term

It’s safe to say that Ange Postecoglu and his team have overachieved compared to the majority of Spurs fans’ expectations, even after that disappointing FA Cup exit.

Currently sitting fifth in the Premier League table just three points off second and playing some of the most mesmerising and exciting football we Tottenham fans have seen for a long time, it’s clear that Ange has established a style of football that he expects every player to adhere to.

We’ve seen with the plethora of injuries, players forced into roles they aren’t used to, and sticking to the free-flowing, pass-first style of football, adopted by the new boss hasn’t come easy. With Emerson Royal and Ben Davies being put in at centre back and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Oliver Skipp having to play expansive football their skill set doesn’t always compliment, we can see some growing pains within this transitional period.

If Spurs want to get back to challenging for the title we need players who create competition in the squad rather than second string options. Losing Christian Romero and Micky Van de Ven, we saw the drop off when others came in during those injuries, and now with Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr and Heung-min Son on international duty for their respective national teams, we are seeing it again.

Every year we are going to encounter injuries, so building a competitive squad with players jostling for positions in the first team is exactly what we need to take us to the next level. Not only world-class players but also ones that suit the philosophies integrated by the manager.

Tottenham have started this process in January with the arrival of Radu Dragusin. The Romanian international, joining from Genoa for was an incredible coup for Spurs, especially with the German giants, Bayern Munich also after the centre backs signature.

Even in the small cameo against Manchester United, we can see that Dragusin was signed due to his qualities in the air and his ball-playing ability, exactly what will be needed for him to succeed under Postecoglu, and it is evident that he will challenge Romero for his place.

Tottenham are currently being linked with Norwegian wonder-kid Antonio Nusa (Fabrizio Romano). The 18-year-old would be a perfect winger to provide competition for the current wide players within the squad, and the shrewd business being done by Johan Lange. With Fabio Paratici making these signings in the past with Pape Metar Sarr and Destiny Udogie, Spurs are looking to get top young players in early.

Looking forward to recruitment, I believe Tottenham need to focus on central midfield as well as the striker position. With links to Conor Gallagher quieting down (Football.London), in my opinion, Spurs should set their eyes on players such as João Neves of Benfica or Amadou Onana of Everton.

With Bissouma having some disappointing performances this season, signing one of these young, promising, defensive midfielders could be perfect for Postecoglu in creating competition for that spot.

In the number nine position Spurs could look at Santiago Gimenez from Feyenoord. The Mexican with 19 goals and 4 assists in 18 Eredivisie games (transmerkt.co.uk) could be the eventual Harry Kane replacement. If Spurs mean business they could look at Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, however, the 25-year-old Nigerian international may be costing too much with his value at around €110 million (transmerkt.co.uk).

Spurs have always struggled to sell, but getting players out the door will be essential in creating this competitive squad, allowing for more places to be filled with new signings and young players hungry to break into the first team. Tanguy Ndombele, Japhat Tanganga, Bryan Gil, Ryan Sessegnon and many others could all look to be sold in the next coming windows.

Finally, Spurs can look to the young players coming through the academy and currently out on loan to challenge. Players such as Alfie Devine and Ashley Phillips (currently on loan at Plymouth Argyle) as well as Alfie Dorringinton and Jamie Donley could look to enter the first team. Youngsters Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic (on loan to Hajduk Split) could also have a part to play in the future of Tottenham.

I think we can all say that this is one of the most positive states we have seen our club in for a long time, and looking at the talent within the squad, we have a bright future, but, Tottenham need to make the right signings, the right sales, and need to trust the young players to reach their full potential and finally win some silverware.

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