Tottenham Hotspur go into the final day against Everton needing their key players to turn up, but who could be the star of the show in the fight against relegation?
1. Richarlison: Tottenham’s relentless ex-factor
The creative wingers are completely sidelined. Therefore, the goalscoring burden falls squarely on the shoulders of Richarlison. He remains the fixed reference upfront. Furthermore, this weekend brings the added narrative of the dreaded ‘law of the ex’.
Richarlison currently leads the frontline with 11 Premier League goals. Everton will look to sit deep and defend. However, his primary job will be to pin their centre-backs and attack the six-yard box. He remains a ruthless threat inside the penalty area. Consequently, he has the precise physical profile to overpower his former club and fire Tottenham to safety.
2. Mathys Tel: Spurs’ dynamic isolation threat
It is officially time for Mathys Tel to grab his opportunity with both hands. The young Frenchman has been mostly used as a dynamic option off the bench. He has clocked 1,269 minutes so far. However, he is now virtually guaranteed a starting spot on the flank.
Tactically, this matchup makes him a massive danger to the visitors. Everton struggle against direct, pacey wingers. In fact, they rank near the bottom of the league for successful dribbles allowed at just 8.9 per game. Tel has bagged 4 goals this season. Furthermore, he brings exactly the type of fearless 1v1 dribbling needed to isolate Everton’s full-backs.
3. Pedro Porro: Tottenham’s playmaker in disguise
Tottenham suffer from a total lack of natural width in the forward line. Therefore, Pedro Porro is going to be the most important outlet on the pitch. The Spaniard has been an absolute machine during this gruelling campaign. He has clocked a staggering 3,006 minutes of action. This is the highest among all outfield players in the squad.
Expect Porro to play virtually as a right-winger this weekend. Everton tend to narrow their defensive block. Consequently, this will leave massive space out wide for full-backs to exploit. Porro’s historical tally of 13 goals for the club proves his attacking instinct. Furthermore, his crossing accuracy will be vital to sustaining a high volume of penalty box touches, which currently averages 20.25 per game.
4. James Maddison: Spurs’ creative spark
The data shows that Everton’s biggest Achilles’ heel is their carelessness in possession. They turn the ball over a shocking 113.53 times per game on average. Therefore, a high-pressing Tottenham side will find James Maddison operating in his absolute element. The immense pressure of relegation Sunday will not stop his creative output.
Maddison remains the only fully fit elite creative spark in the squad. He will be tasked with ghosting between the lines and exploiting the half-spaces. He must react quickly to Everton’s frequent defensive turnovers in the middle third. Consequently, his vision and final ball to Richarlison or Tel will be the decisive factor.
5. Kevin Danso: The aerial shield against a direct Everton
Causing problems for Everton requires attacking intent. However, winning the gritty battles at the back is what will ultimately sustain the pressure. Everton’s entire game plan under Sean Dyche revolves around direct long balls and physical duels. These tactics are meant to break a nervous team’s resolve.
Kevin Danso has fully cemented his place in the XI lately. He has locked down 1,402 minutes of playing time. Furthermore, his physical profile is a tactical antidote to Everton’s direct approach. Danso’s dominance in the air will ensure Everton cannot win second balls. Alongside Micky van de Ven’s recovery pace, he will keep the makeshift attack on the front foot.
The Spurs Web verdict
This is certainly not the position Spurs expected to be in on the final day. However, this team is packed with hunger. They hold specific tactical advantages that can tear the opponent apart. If these five key players manage to impose their individual strengths, Premier League football stays in N17.