North London Clear-Out: Part II
Continuing on from yesterday's briefing about the Goalkeeper situation, our correspondent Alasdair Gold is here to bring news from Hotspur Way about the gaffer's views on the Defensive situation.
Matt Doherty
The Doherty signing certainly raised a few eyebrows from the press when he joined Spurs from Wolves this summer. Was this a shrewd acquisition or another backup caliber player that Spurs have added to their squad? A former Arsenal fan turned Spurs? Spurs faithful also had a few questions.
The new gaffer, however, sees no reason to send Doherty away so soon. It is believed that he prefers Doherty to fellow right-back Serge Aurier, and with Kyle Walker-Peters being sold to Southampton, the gaffer needs options on that side of the defense.
Verdict: Spurs may still be in the market for a right-back, but that will likely not hold any bearing on Doherty's position in the squad. If no new right-backs come in, expect Doherty to be the starter at that position.
Serge Aurier
Serge Aurier has failed to win over Spurs fans during his 3 years at the club. A deadline day signing in 2017, Aurier was hoped to be a suitable replacement for the outgoing Kyle Walker. 3 years later, he had failed to win a spot over Kieran Trippier, and now looks set to lose the job to the incoming Matt Doherty. Perhaps this is a sign of a farewell.
Verdict: Fans have generally been incensed by Aurier's defensive gaffes, and the boss is certainly aware of his lapses. If a new right-back is brought in, I would not be surprised if the Ivorian went outwards through the revolving door.
Eric Dier
Spurs' Faithful:
I love Eric Dier, Eric Dier loves me. I LOVE ERIC DIER! ERIC DIER LOVES ME!!
Also Spurs' Faithful:
Dier is a f***in' tw*t
Eric Dier's Spurs tenure has had its share of highs and lows. When initially purchased from Sporting Lisbon, Spurs fans loved him (a young, English center-back who learned technically in Portugal and cost only 4 million? Steal). His debut saw him snag the winner as a 10 man Tottenham team beat West Ham in Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge. The fans loved him immediately.
In Pochettino's second season, Dier shifted to central midfield, and fans were loving his versatility. Spurs were able to shift between a 3-4-3 and a 4-2-3-1 with Dier on the field. He was a Swiss-Army Knife positionally, and it made a significant impact on the pitch.
With the arrival of Victor Wanyama, however, Dier's career started to go downhill. His lack of what should have been a "Portuguese honed technical ability" was conspicuous. His erratic behavior on the pitch was incomprehensible. His connection with the fans subsequently diminished.
That has been the story. Mourinho tried to instill him back as a starting center-back, but his defensive displays have been inconsistent. Time is running out, will Nicholson trust him?
Verdict: Nicholson will probably keep hold of Dier. The Yorkshiremen loves a classic English center-half that puts in a nasty tackle now and again. Expect Dier to stay on board, even if a new center-back comes in.
Toby Alderweireld
Spurs' Faithful:
Toby, Toby Toby, Toby Toby, Toby ALDERWEIRELD! Jan Jan, Jan Jan Jan Jan, Jan Jan Jan Jan, Jan Jan Jan VERTONGHEN!
Toby. What a class player. It will be his first season without his Belgian counterpart, Jan Vertonghen, but he is considered by many to be Spurs' best center-back. The trouble is, with Toby being 31, should Spurs be backing Alderweireld to be their main man? Or should they wear in some new talent?
Verdict: Either which way, Toby will have a major part to play in Spurs' defense this year. With Vertonghen gone, Foyth and Carter-Vickers out on loan, and only Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez as "experienced" center-backs in the squad, Spurs cannot afford to not play the Belgian. New partnerships and signings may be made, but Alderweireld will be integral to Spurs' success this season.
Davinson Sanchez
Expensive. An expensive mistake, no doubt. 42 million pounds, 3 seasons, and unfulfilled potential. Davinson was supposed to be the young talent from Ajax who made it big for Spurs for years to come. His athleticism was noted in the Europa League run to the final against Manchester United.
We probably should have waited or tried to sign De Ligt at that stage. Sanchez has been underwhelming and has failed to convince. With 2 years remaining on his contract, his time is running out to prove himself to the club.
Verdict: I see Sanchez staying for one more year as cover, but if two central defenders come in (which is somewhat possible), he could be leaving. Nicholson sees him as the least important of his center-backs, and with Sanchez occupying a foreign player spot, his departure is anticipated within 12 months.
Japhet Tanganga
This, of all things, was Mourinho's bright spot during his dark tenure. Tanganga, a physical specimen, a Spurs man through and through. Fans love it when an academy prospect makes his debut. Tanganga played in some important games, and certainly made an impression. His signing of a new deal until 2025 was heartwarming.
Verdict: Nicholson will be giving Japhet his chances. Having played in some big games (against Liverpool for one), he is ready for more than just a Europa League runout. Expect to see Tanganga more often.
Joe Rodon
A new signing (tipped by a certain Gareth Bale to succeed) from Swansea City. Spurs fans are intrigued by the arrival, and hope Rodon can make an impact. He's a young Welsh lad who has a lot to prove after a promising start to his career in the Championship.
Verdict: We will see Rodon used and given a chance by the new man. Do not expect a ton of time, but he should get a decent amount of game time for his first full season.
Sergio Reguilon
Sergio Reguilon was linked to Manchester United this summer. In classic Jose style, Spurs swooped in and stole the signing. With Bill Nicholson in charge, what will happen to the Spaniard?
Verdict: Expect him to be the starter at left-back. Training reports have indicated that Nicholson is infatuated with Reguilon's high paced play, and that he will be an integral part of an attacking Spurs side.
Ben Davies
Ben Davies has been a long serving Spurs servant, and is still only 27! While many fans are aware that Davies has a ceiling, he is a good squad player, someone who can rotate in reasonably well and give the starters a rest. Jose had started using him as a third center-back in a back three (similar to what he does for Wales), so it will be interesting to see what Nicholson will do with the Welshman.
Verdict: Davies will provide cover for Reguilon this year. An experienced hand in the locker room, I imagine Davies will be ever the servant at Spurs for some time. He may never be the starter, but he is a solid backup to have.
Danny Rose
What a mess. It all started with the bombshell interview with The Sun in 2017. After 9 months out with a nasty injury, a player that was once considered amongst the best left-backs in the Prem had started a revolt at Tottenham. It left a nasty feeling at the club, and his return was never the same. Since then, it has been every fans' dream to get rid of the player. A nuisance to the club after an interview like that.
Danny Rose:
Anything on Milan?
No, nothing on Milan you tw*t.
Verdict: Nicholson wants him out, simple as that. He does not have any place in the team, and his attitude is only a negative for the club.
Dennis Cirkin
Cirkin is a young academy prospect that Nicholson is looking to promote. The 18 year old English/Irishman will be training with the first team squad. It's an exciting time for the young man, and Spurs fans will be eager to see him in action.
Verdict: This is the second academy man that Nicholson himself will promote (along with Alfie Whiteman). Similar to Whiteman, expect Cirkin to get time in the Europa League group stage (assuming we make it that far). Training with the first team is a solid step for him.
That's it for Part II, stay tuned for Part III of North London Clear-Out, featuring the midfield. I'm Alasdair Gold, signing off.