Spurs: Too Much, Too Fast?

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Liverpool's Emre Can was one of 6 players brought in during the January window; but have Spurs pushed it too far?

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This season, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino has pushed the boat out, bringing in some big names to push his side to new heights, and clearing out the deadwood in the squad. Over the course of the season, Spurs have brought in 12 players, either on permanent deals, or on loan. Below, we list the 12 new faces at White Hart Lane, and the prospects that they have at the club.

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1. Eder Alvarez Balanta (DC)

Balanta arrived at White Hart Lane with a big reputation - one of South America's hottest properties, Balanta was chased by Europe's top clubs, but the facilities at Tottenham persuaded him to choose Tottenham. With 12 appearances in the league so far this season, Balanta has landed on his feet at Spurs, even contributing a goal to his side's cause.

2. Jese (ST)

Another player who arrived with a big reputation, Jese has been hot and cold for Spurs so far - but with 12 league appearances marked with 5 goals and 3 assists, he's quickly becoming a fan favourite. So much so that some sections of the support are calling for Pochettino to activate Jese's £29.5m release clause and make the move permanent.

3. Humam Tariq (AMC)

A Promising talent, Iraqi midfielder Tariq had to wait until November for his Work Permit to come through, but since then, he has made 4 appearances for Spurs in the league, scoring once and setting up a goal for his side. For just £350k, Tariq looks like he could be a very smart bit of business for Spurs once he develops.

4. Lucas Romero (DMC)

Pochettino showed further signs of his knowledge of South American football by bringing one of Argentina's biggest talents to White Hart Lane. At just 20, Romero is already challenging for a regular first team spot, and with 23 league appearances under his belt, he has scored once and provided 4 assists. Within a few seasons, it is not difficult to see Romero as a future fan favourite, and a major player at Spurs.

5. Lucas Boye (ST)

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Boye arrived at Spurs from River, and Pochettino loaned him out to French club Stade de Riems for the season. Playing in France's top league, Boye has scored twice in 14 league appearances, and is making an impression with his intelligent play and clever movement. Although perhaps not ready for first-team football, he has the potential to become an important player for the club.

6. John Souttar (DC)

Another player who was bought and loaned back - this time to his original club. John Souttar is a defender with a huge future. So far this season, he has made 14 appearances, and impressed in every single one. At just £975k, Souttar looks like a true talent for the future.

7. DeAndre Yedlin (DR)

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Quick, Talented and Seattle Sounders' first ever homegrown player, Yedlin was part of the MLS All-Stars team last season, and has a growing reputation in world football. Impressive at the World Cup, Yedlin's transfer was one which was already arranged before Pochettino arrived, and he made 4 appearances this month, before moving on loan to Leeds for the remainder of the season. His performances have been impressive so far, and he is a definite talent for the future.

8. Martin Odegaard (AMC)

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One transfer which needs no introduction - Norwegian starlet Martin Odegaard was chased by every top club in Europe, before deciding on a move to Spurs - the youngster has impressed in his two appearances so far, scoring on his debut. With the correct guidance, and enough game time, Odegaard has the undoubted potential to go far in this game.

9. Nathan (AMC)

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This Brazilian starlet was loaned out to Bestikas upon his arrival, Nathan is a big talent for the future of Spurs. Quick on his feet, and talented with the ball, Nathan's reputation is growing within World Football, and, with enough game time, has the potential to match Odegaard's development, and become a real force.

10. Jeronimo Rulli (GK)

With Hugo Lloris' form so hit and miss, and Michel Vorm woefully inadequate in training, Pochettino had no choice but to bring in another goalkeeper, and Rulli fits that description. A loan signing, the Goalkeeper's contract runs out at the end of the season, and Pochettino will most likely look to bring him in on a permanent contract. Although he has only played in Europe and in Cup games, Rulli has started his career well, and will be looking to push Lloris for a first-team spot.

11. Emre Can (MC)

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Brought in as cover for the midfield, Can hasn't had the chance to impress at Liverpool, but Pochettino seems quite content to give him that chance at Spurs, and the German already has 3 appearances under his belt, and has scored once; showing his full credentials in a central role. With a £25.6m release clause, Liverpool might be holding Spurs to ransom somewhat, but if Can impresses, that fee might not be as extortionate as it sounds.

12. Eugene Konoplyanka (ML)

Viewed by many as the missing piece of Tottenham's tactical jigsaw, the Ukranian midfielder is natural, and deadly, on the left side of midfield. With Pochettino starting to favour a deeper wide midfielder on that side, Konoplyanka is set to be given every chance to impress. With 5 appearances already, he's scored 1 and set up 2 goals for his side in an impressive display throughout January. With more game time, and once he's settled, Konoplyanka could become one of Spurs' most vital players.

Spurs Push On Through April

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New boy Konoplyanka was the catalyst for an impressive month for Spurs



Spurs came into April, knowing that some solid performances this month could see them chasing a spot in Europe, and maybe even the FA Cup. The side enjoyed a strong showing throughout the month, and fans will be pleased with the amount of goals their team scored, although the 6-0 loss to Manchester Untied will play long on the mind around White Hart Lane.

Manchester City 3-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Rulli, Walker, Kaboul (c), Vertonghen, Rose, Stambouli, Romero, Konoplyanka (sub 57), Townsend (sub 32), Eriksen, Soldado
Subs: Lamela (On 32, Sub 57), Jese (On 57), Odegaard (On 57)

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Soldado (80)
Odegaard (91)
Sergio Aguero (Man City)

Liverpool 1-4 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris (c), Yedlin, Fazio, Balanta, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Konoplyanka, Lamela, Eriksen, Jese
Subs: None Used

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Lamela (12)
Konoplyanka (45, 65)
Gerrard og (66)
Eugene Konoplyanka (Spurs)

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Sunderland (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris (c), Yedlin, Fazio, Balanta, Davies, Dier, Dembele, Konoplyanka, Lamela, Eriksen, Jese (off 28)
Subs: Soldado (on 28)

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Konoplyanka (15)
Eriksen (19)
Christian Eriksen (Spurs)

Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Southampton (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris (c), Yedlin, Fazio, Balanta, Davies, Dier, Romero, Konoplyanka, Lamela (sub 69), Odegaard, Jese (sub 51)
Subs: Soldado (on 51), Rose (on 69)

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Fazio (70)
Konoplyanka (91)
Eugene Konoplyanka (Spurs)

Arsenal 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur (FA Cup Semi-Final)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Kaboul (c), Vertonghen (sub 81), Davies, Romero, Paulinho, Rose (sub 56), Konoplyanka (sub 81), Eriksen, Soldado
Subs: Balanta (on 81), Lamela (on 56), Odegaard (on 81)

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Koscielny og (49)
Soldado (72)
Eriksen (88)
Christian Eriksen (Spurs)

Manchester United 6-0 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris (c), Naughton, Balanta, Vertonghen, Davies, Can, Romero, Rose (sub 45), Konoplyanka, Eriksen, Soldado (sub 45)
Subs: Lamela (on 45), Jese (on 45)

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Wayne Rooney (Man Utd)

QPR 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)

Spurs Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Kaboul (c), Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto, Romero, Paulinho (sub 45), Dembele (sub 45), Townsend, Eriksen (sub 78), Soldado
Subs: Lamela (on 45), Odegaard (on 78), Konoplyanka (on 45)

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Lamela (7)
Soldado (29, 49)
Eduardo Vargas (QPR)

Spurs Finish 6th, Look to FA Cup Final

New Signing Yedlin is keen to see his new side win the FA Cup this year


As Spurs recovered from two tough losses, 3-1 and 2-1 against Arsenal and West Brom respectively, focus in the camp was turning to their FA Cup Final against West Ham on the 30th of May...but before then, there were still two league games to play, against Everton and Crystal Palace, as the London side fight for a European place.

Tottenham Hotspur 6-1 Everton

Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Kaboul (c), Balanta, Rose, Romero, Dembele (sub 45), Lamela (sub 45), Konoplyanka, Soldado, Jese
Subs: Eriksen (on 45), Can (45)
Goals: Konoplyanka, Soldado, Jese (2), Kaboul, Lamela
Man Of The Match: Jese (Spurs)

Crystal Palace 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris, Yedlin, Kaboul (c), Balanta, Rose, Romero, Dembele (sub 79) Lamela (sub 79), Konoplyanka, Soldado, Jese
Subs: Can (on 79), Odegaard (on 79)
Goals: Jese, Konoplyanka
Man Of The Match: Adlene Guedioura (Crystal Palace)

Final League Table

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FA Cup Final: Spurs v West Ham United

Lamela was the Driving force behind Spurs' performance in the FA Cup Final

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A crowd 90000 strong packed into Wembley to watch Spurs and West Ham battle for English football's premier Cup competition. Spurs, who had finished 6th in the league, knew that a win here, on the back of 2 solid wins in the league, would give them European football next season, while 9th placed West Ham were looking to Europe to boost their reputation.

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West Ham United Starting XI

Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Collins, Cresswell, Song, Valencia, Noble, Nolan (c), Jarvis, Zarate

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Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI

Lloris, Walker, Kaboul (c), Balanta, Davies, Paulinho, Romero, Lamela, Konoplyanka, Soldado, Jese

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First Half

West Ham got us started at exactly 3pm, but quickly lost posession when Walker stole the ball away from Jarvis, and Spurs came pouring forwards, with Paulinho finding Lamela with a first-time pass. As the Argentine came flying at the West Ham defence on the right flank, he was upended by Nolan, and we had the game's first yellow card. The freekick came in from the edge of the box, Romero finding Jese just ahead of the penalty spot, but the Spaniard couldn't get his shot on target.

Just two minutes later, West Ham showed that they too were here to win, when Nolan played a gorgeous ball in behind the Spurs defence for Jarvis, and only an instinctive save from Lloris kept the match level. From the Corner, Lloris took charge, and collected the ball with ease.

The match was high-tempo, and highly strung - tackles were coming thick and fast from both sides, but when Alex Song hauled Lamela down with a two-footed challenge, the referee had to act, and Song was given his marching orders, with a straight red card. Some might suggest that was the turning point, as Mauro Zarate was substituted, in favour of Ravel Morrison

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Song's red card saw his team down to 10 men early on

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The 1 man advantage that Spurs had was telling, and after 19 minutes, Jese went close with an incredible solo run, skipping past 3 West Ham players before flashing the shot just wide of the West Ham goal.

Despite the red card, West Ham's tackling was still heavy, and Lamela won another freekick, this time after being tripped by Cresswell. Walker fired the ball over the wall with a wicked curve, and Adrian parried the shot. Konoplyanka was the fastest man in the box, and he fired home from inside the 6 yard box to put his side ahead.

Jese went close just 3 minutes later, after latching onto a headed pass across the box from Soldado, but Adrian was equal to his volleyed effort. Spurs could sense West Ham's trepidation though, and Erik Lamela doubled their lead, capitalising on a spilled ball after Jese's long-range shot. There were cries of offside from the West Ham fans, but the goal stood, and Spurs were 2-0 ahead

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Lamela was causing real problems for West Ham on the flanks

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The remainder of the half was quiet, with Spurs pressing West Ham high up the pitch, but neither side could find another way through, and the teams went in at half time with the score at 2-0

Half Time: Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 West Ham

Konoplyanka, Lamela
Substitution: Paulinho off, Dembele on

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In the second half, the Spurs onslaught continued, and when Ravel Morrison hauled Soldado down on the edge of the box, the cries for a penalty were deafening. The Spaniard picked himself off the floor, and duly obliged, firing home past Adrian in the West Ham goal to put this tie beyond the reach of Spurs' London Rivals. The atmosphere in Wembley was electric - Spurs were in Europe, and coasting to a national trophy.

At 3-0, Spurs were coasting, but they weren't keen on stopping there. Jese, Romero and Soldado all went close, as West Ham's defence tired. The tackles were as full-blooded as ever, and Pochettino was seen to remonstrate with the fourth official at least once, apparently incensed by the treatment that was being handed to his wingers, particularly Erik Lamela.

However, The Spurs side wasn't done yet, and Konoplyanka showed exactly why Pochettino spent £20.5m on him in January, beating 4 West Ham players on a mazy dribble from deep inside his own half, before lifting the ball over Adrian, and handing his side a 4-0 lead, and surely the FA Cup.

Before long, Spurs fans were lifting the roof right off of Wembley, and West Ham fans were headed for the exit. The referee indicated 4 minutes of added time, and when the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted: Spurs were FA Cup Champions 2015

Full Time: Spurs 4-0 West Ham

Pochettino: Season Has Been A Massive Success

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Vertonghen (Left) and Eriksen were Key for Spurs this season

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As the 2014/15 season draws to a close, Manager Mauricio Pochettino has been talking to the media about his pride in his squad, who have sealed European football by winning the FA Cup in emphatic fashion, defeating West Ham United 4-0.

"I think, on balance, we can be proud of what we have achieved here this season. At times, it was tough, and I think my tactics were sometimes the issue, but the fans were superb for us, and we have repaid them with a trophy.

Now, the focus must turn to next season, and developing the squad to bring even more trophies back to this great club. The board have already set our objectives for next season, and myself and the players are more than happy with the level of ambition they have shown."

Pochettino's admission that his tactics were at times questionable will be a breath of fresh air to Spurs fans, who have often heard their heroes blamed for the short comings of the managers. Now though, they have a manager who is not scared to hold his hands up and admit he is in the wrong, and that bodes well for the future.

Spurs Best Eleven, 2014/15

Formation:

Players:
GK: Hugo Lloris (6.84)
RB: Kyle Naughton (7.10)
CB: Younes Kaboul (7.11)
CB: Eder Alvarez Balanta (7.08)
LB: Danny Rose (7.05)
DM: Lucas Romero (7.04)
MC: Mousa Dembele (7.18)
ML: Eugene Konoplyanka (7.61)
AMR: Erik Lamela (7.27)
AMC: Christian Eriksen (7.60)
ST: Roberto Soldado (7.32)

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Subs: Jeronimo Rulli, Jan Vertonghen, Paulinho, Jese, Harry Kane, Ben Davies, DeAndre Yedlin

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Fan's Player Of The Season: Christian Eriksen

Appearances: 50/ Goals: 14/ Avg. Rating: 7.60

Eriksen had a phenomenal season for his side, often found at the centre of his sides' attacks and goals, and displaying his wide range of technical skills. We asked him how he thought his season went, and his response was candid:

"I think i've had a good year...To win this award is a massive shock to me, and I'd like to thank the fans for their amazing support...maybe we could have done more this season for them, but with the correct signings and training over the summer, we can be a real force next season...i've heard of a few teams who are chasing me, but my future is at Tottenham, and I have no intentions of leaving."

Good news for Spurs fans, as their hero from last season confirms he won't leave the club.

Top Scorer (League): Roberto Soldado (22 Goals)

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Rodriguez: Relegation Was Never The Plan

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The Wolfsburg left-back has admitted his club's relegation means he is seeking a move elsewhere

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As world football recovers from the season just past, players are taking stock of their new situations, and assess their futures. One such player is Wolfsburg's left-back Ricardo Rodriguez. With the German side relegated to the 2nd division, the Swiss international is said to be looking for a new club.

Last season, the 23 year old impressed in spite of his club's shortcomings, with an average league rating of 7.19 (via whoscored.com), and 6 assists to his name in 34 appearances. Flexible on the left flank, Rodriguez could provide invaluable cover for both Konoplyanka and Ben Davies, with the ability to play either defence or attack.

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The Left-Back has an eye for goal which would be invaluable to any side

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Whilst last season, Ben Davies did a great job in defence, towards the end of the year, he began to show signs of fatigue - a second left-back would prove invaluable, and Pochettino is sure to have his eye on the 23-year old Swiss.

When asked about the potential of a move to London, Rodriguez was complimentary:

"Well, I think a move is certianly in my best interests, but where to is a different question...Spurs are a great side, but I have a lot to think about before I make any kind of decision. All I can say for certain is that I don't want to be playing in the 2nd division next season. Wolfsburg are very close to my heart, but I need to think of my career first and foremost"

So, A potential move on the horizon...We will keep you updated with any and all developments in this story.

Bakkali Stalls on Contract Talks

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PSV's Teen Starlet has been stalling on signing a new deal

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As the inevitable rumble of transfer talk comes to invade our airwaves this summer, one of the prime assets on the market is PSV's Belgian starlet Zakaria Bakkali - who is currently stalling on signing a new contract with his club.

This season, the youngster has made 26 appearances for his club, scoring 5 times in the league, and setting up 3 assists for his side. Whilst often playing second fiddle to Memphis Depay, the youngster has impressed in his appearances so far, and seems to be holding out for a move to a bigger club.

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The youngster has shown incredible promise, and has made 2 senior appearances for the Belgian national side. So far, the club has declined to make any comment, but Bakkali himself has been speaking to the media about the potential of a move abroad

"For now, I am still a PSV player, but I think I owe it to myself to look at a move abroad, to improve the calibre of player I am facing, and also to push myself to develop as a footballer. I cannot speak highly enough of the staff and facilities at this club, but I think for me, I have to push myself to the absolute limits, and that might mean a move abroad."

But the key question has to be: where will this prodigious talent end his transfer window? only time will tell

Spurs Bring In Youth Prospects

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The New Recruits Will Be Looking to Emulate Harry Kane: Spurs' latest youth product

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As the new season rolls in, Spurs have been busy in the transfer market, closing deals on several youngsters from around England. Below, we look at the new boys, and also analyse some of the club's biggest youth talents...

Marcel Ryder (ST), Wolves, £400k

Signed from Wolves for £400k, Ryder has massive potential as a striker. He caught Spurs' eye on trial day, when they sent their scouts around the nation, looking for the best talent. Technically talented, and quick, Ryder has the makings of an excellent striker, and will be looking to make his mark at the club.

Andy Butler (DR), Bolton, £575k

While perhaps not quite as bursting with natural talent as Marcel Ryder, Butler is a good young right back, with pace to burn. Noted at trials for his timing in the tackle and his natural leadership skills, Butler could be a great asset with the right training.

Phillip Rolfe (DL), West Brom, £525k

Rolfe had a trial with Crystal Palace before West Brom, but he impressed the Spurs Scouting team with his pace and marking ability, and that was enough to land him a professional contract at the club. Hard working and solid in the tackle, Rolfe will have to work hard, but could really make something of himself in London.

Shane Buckle (MR), Brighton, £550k

A talented winger, Buckle has an eye for a cross, and deadly from a freekick, Buckle is a model professional who is determined to push himself to the next level. Although technically lacking, the youngster's sheer determination could be enough to see him make the breakthrough at Spurs.

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Some great young sigings, and undoubtedly potential for the future, but these 4 youngsters will have competition from players who have already come through the Spurs youth ranks, and are now mostly playing in the Under 21s. 3 such players are David Sellars, Jose Angel and Alex Douglas...only time will tell if this Spurs generation will be to the dizzy heights of previous youth graduates.