What we learned against the Baggies

The addition of Toby Alderweireld has obviously added some much needed consistency and steel to the club’s back four, but I believe more importantly Alderweireld has brought the best out of his Belgian team-mate Jan Vertonghen. The club have a partnership, an obvious pairing at the the heart of their defence for the first time since Tottenham Hotspur legend Ledley King retired through injury leaving Michael Dawson to wade through a collection of average centre backs.

 This has allowed the team defensively as a whole to grow. Eric Dier has played his part in this defensive improvement, I believe more so than the full backs. The young England International has been a revelation in front of the Belgians; whereas Danny Rose and at times Kyle Walker have remained slighlty rash. I believe the fullbacks are where most work can be done to further improve this already greatly improved back line.

The Tottenham Hotspur squad has had a full week to train for the first time since August. Despite this, Tottenham are showing signs that this high intensity pressing will leave the squad exhausted and at risk of burning out at the turn of spring  (similar to last season with the likes of Mason and Bentaleb playing 40 games or more) . January is key for Mauricio as he needs to recruit. He may only need two or three players depending on the fitness of Alex Pritchard and other long term absentees, but it is essential Harry Kane gets some attacking assistance. In addition a quality winger or wing back may offer competition to our fullbacks or a struggling wide player such as Nacer Chadli.

This current squad has huge potential, the matchess leading up to the January transfer window will be key to keeping this side in and around the top 4 as they are all fixtures the club should look to, and can win.