Tottenham Hotspur are seemingly not destined to be able to play their first choice back four/five this season for an extended period of time. After the quartet of Walker, Rose, Alderweireld and Vertonghen did so brilliantly last season, they were touted to have an even better season this time around.
While, Spurs have retained their solidity and their almost flawless defence, the partnership at the heart of the defence has failed to settle due to injuries and bans. With Vertonghen’s latest setback likely to keep him out for around 2 months, Pochettino needs to come up with a backup plan to deal with the absence of the highly effective Belgian.
Let us take a look at three ways Spurs’ can deal with the setback-
PLAY BEN DAVIES AS A MAKESHIFT CENTRE-BACK
Mauricio Pochettino has employed a 3-man backline lately and this experiment has worked marvellously. The likes of Walker and Rose have been a revelation in the wingback roles while the 3 central defenders have seldom let anything past them.
Dier and Alderweireld pick themselves while Pochettino has the added option of Trippier in front of him. But tellingly the gaffer opted to replace the injured Vertonghen with Ben Davies in the match and it is pretty clear who is ahead in the pecking order. Davies has previously played in that role and plays in central defence for Wales while his left-sided advantage will also play a big part if he is eventually selected for the job.
BUY A DEFENDER
With the January transfer window incidentally open at the same time, the Lilywhites do have an option to add a central defender to their books to continue in their preferred formation smoothly. The name which immediately crops to mind is Southampton defender Jose Fonte, who has put in a transfer request.
The club captain has played under Mauricio Pochettino and the pair will know each other pretty well. He will bring quality and calmness along with leadership qualities and a move to a club like Spurs should be greeted by the wantaway Saints’ star.
REVERT TO 4 AT THE BACK
Might be the least favourite option for the fans, as they would have loved to see a new face come in or the recently successful formation be continued. But Spurs do have the likes of Dier, Davies and Trippier to partner Alderweireld at the heart of the defence.
Dier and Alderweireld are the most likely candidates to feature as the centre-back pairing if the third option is seen as the best way to move forward till Vertonghen’s return.
