Opinion: Why playing five at the back suits the current Spurs defenders

Despite playing four at the back for the majority of last season, I believe that a five at the back formation suits our current players better.

First off, playing wing-backs instead of full-backs would be massively beneficial to our side.

On the left, Reguilón and Sessegnon are better suited to attacking than defending. Both can do a job defensively, but the side would be more secure if they had extra cover behind them.

The third left-back we employ, Ben Davies, would be well suited to playing on the left side of the three centre backs. Davies was given an opportunity as a centre back in a back four a few times in the Europa League.

Unfortunately for Davies, he made a mistake that led to a goal. But the Welshman could still be an asset particularly when he is playing alongside two other centre backs.

On the other side, Matt Doherty was a right wing-back for Wolves before Spurs signed him last summer. Doherty was incredible for Wolves but failed to replicate his form as a right-back under Jose Mourinho.

Serge Aurier is also well known for his attacking influence, but equally known for his lapses in concentration when defending.

Another player who has played as a right-back for us this season is Japhet Tanganga, despite growing up as a centre back. Tanganga would be well suited to playing on the right side of three central defenders because of growing up as a centre back.

Now for our actual central defenders, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Dier, and Rodon. All four have made mistakes this season, although Rodon has made considerably fewer than the other three.

Having the cover of two other central defenders would be massively beneficial for them. Plus, having this much defensive cover would allow Tanguy Ndombele to play further up the pitch.

The Frenchman had much more influence on games when he was played in that position earlier this season.

Overall, playing five at the back would reduce goals conceded and, while our attack may not be as prolific, our front four would still be able to put up the numbers necessary to win games.

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