It has been a heartbreaking end to the season for Tottenham Hotspur.
This time last month, following a 3-0 win over Manchester United, many were tipping the Lilywhites for the Premier League title.
Now, however, they’ve not only suffered the humiliation of being eliminated from the title race at the hands of London rivals Chelsea, but also finishing behind bitter foes Arsenal for the 21st consecutive season.
Nonetheless, the future remains incredibly bright at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino boasts a young, hardworking and extremely talented squad and the north Londoners are now preparing for a 2016/17 campaign in the Champions League.
So in a bid to turn a few frowns upside down around N17, FootballFanCast are trying to make Spurs fans dream again by drawing up a ‘dream XI’ for next season – combining the club’s top transfer targets and their best performers from the 2015/16 campaign.
Would this XI improve upon the current Spurs first team? Let us know by commenting below!
GOALKEEPER – HUGO LLORIS
Rather than searching for a new No.1, Tottenham Hotspur will likely spend the summer transfer window batting off interest in Hugo Lloris. The shot-stopping skipper has enjoyed another strong campaign between the White Hart Lane sticks, notching up 13 clean sheets in 37 outings, and is never far from a mention in PSG, Manchester United or Real Madrid’s rumour columns.
RIGHT-BACK – ALESSANDRO FLORENZI
Being coveted by Barcelona and nominated for a Puskas award is about as dreamy as it can get for a right-back, as is the case with Tottenham Hotspur target Alessandro Florenzi. The Roma star is famed for his versatility, technique and tenacity and was linked with a White Hart Lane switch back in November. Aged 25, the coming summer is undoubtedly the right time to buy – but rumour has it the Italy international wants to become a one-club man at the Stadio Olimpico.
CENTRE-BACK – TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
A strong candidate for signing of the 2015/16 season, improving Spurs’ defensively to an exponential level since arriving from Southampton by way of Atletico Madrid, Toby Alderweireld is another the White Hart Lane outfit will have to keep at arm’s length from potential suitors this summer.
CENTRE-BACK – SAMUEL UMTITI
I’m sure Jan Vertonghen will continue to partner Toby Alderweireld on a regular basis next season but the Lilywhites need somebody pushing the Belgian duo at the heart of their defence. That could be rumoured target Samuel Umtiti, whose superlative form for Lyon has seen him emerge as one of the top youngsters in Ligue 1. He’s physical, quick, competent on the ball and can slot in at left-back – but at 5 foot 11 is a little short for a centre-half.
LEFT-BACK – DANNY ROSE
Danny Rose may not be the greatest left-back the world has ever witnessed but he’s been fantastic for the Lilywhites this season, making the marauding full-back role his own by combining relentless energy with attacking vigour. Backed up by Ben Davies, it seems unlikely Spurs will be looking to overhaul their options at No.3 this summer.
DEFENSIVE MIDFIELD – YOURI TIELEMANS
Long-term target Victor Wanyama is another strong candidate for this position but considering the Lilywhites’ preference for potential, we’re suggesting Youri Tielemans. The midfielder is just 19 years of age but already boasts 123 first-team appearances for Anderlecht, winning two Young Footballer of the Year awards in the Jupiler League. An athletic playmaker, he’s likely to set Spurs back around £24million.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – SAUL NIGUEZ
Spurs were linked with Saul Niguez last week and although he may be a 21-year-old still learning his trade, the Atletico Madrid star could be quite the coup for the Lilywhites. The Spaniard has really shown his potential amid Atletico’s march to the Champions League final, laying on a stunning assist and an incredible solo goal against Barcelona in the semi-final. Famed for his energy and versatility, featuring in a plethora of positions from centre-back to winger this term, he suits the Pochettino philosophy perfectly. Acquiring him this summer however, will require activating a £36million release clause.
CENTRAL MIDFIELD – DELE ALLI
Dele Alli’s importance to the Tottenham cause has been evident enough during his recent suspension, with the Lilywhites picking up just one point, throwing away the Premier League title and slumping to third in the England international’s absence. There will be interest in the midfielder this summer but still aged just 20, admirers will be willing to wait at least another season.
RIGHT WING – RIYAD MAHREZ
Who else but Riyad? Few attackers in Europe have surpassed the Algerian international’s form this season, notching up 17 goals and eleven assists to claim the PFA Player of the Year award and fire Leicester City to the Premier League title. It has been widely suggested he could leave the King Power Stadium this summer and Spurs are one of the clubs in the mix for his signature – even emerging as the bookies’ favourite in April.
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LEFT WING – MICHY BATSHUAYI
Striker Michy Batshuayi is filling in on the left wing for this dream Xi – a position he may have to settle for if he wants to work in tandem with Harry Kane on a regular basis. The Belgium international has been in scintillating form this term, registering 17 goals and nine assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances for Marseille, and at 22 years of age is blessed with enormous potential. It has already been confirmed he’ll leave Stade Velodrome this summer but Tottenham’s biggest competition for Batshuayi’s signature comes from London rivals West Ham.
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STRIKER – HARRY KANE
One of their own and the Premier League’s top scorer for 2015/16, netting 25 times in 38 games, Harry Kane’s importance to the Tottenham cause only continues to grow amid his emergence as one of Europe’s leading strikers. Inevitably, there will be interest in the 22-year-old this summer, with long-term admirers Manchester United likely to be linked again. But talks over an improved contract should keep him at White Hart Lane for at least another season.
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