Johnson axed for “special” £50M signing: Spurs’ dream starting XI after January

Tottenham Hotspur entered the season with hopes of substantial progress, fueled by Ange Postecoglou’s aggressive and exciting football philosophy.

However, glaring deficiencies have left the team struggling for consistency, with five losses from 11 Premier League matches. While the style of play has injected energy, defensive lapses and an inability to maintain composure under pressure have become significant issues. This has frustrated fans and overshadowed the team’s otherwise creative and incisive performances.

Despite their struggles, Tottenham remain tenth in the table with 16 points, only three points behind third-placed Chelsea. This narrow margin keeps their season alive, offering an opportunity for recovery if the team can address its weaknesses.

The club’s 23 goals scored, which places them atop the league in terms of attacking output, highlights their offensive potential. However, the challenge lies in translating that firepower into consistent results.

Postecoglou has already shown decisiveness in the transfer market, securing Radu Dragusin for £27 million and bringing in Timo Werner on loan last January. These moves provided some depth, while Lucas Bergvall’s arrival has added youthful promise.

However, significant areas still require attention to stabilize the team and push for a top-four finish. Tottenham’s lineup features key players, but maintaining form and enhancing competition for starting spots are vital for sustained success.

Guglielmo Vicario, who joined from Empoli for £17 million, has been a reliable presence between the posts, playing every Premier League minute this season.

While his shot-stopping ability is commendable, doubts linger over his aerial dominance and command during set pieces. Despite these concerns, his performances make him a fixture in the team.

Pedro Porro’s form has sparked speculation, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the dynamic right-back. Although his higher-than-usual positioning under Postecoglou’s system has drawn criticism, Porro remains an integral part of the squad. Tottenham cannot afford to lose his attacking flair midseason.

Cristian Romero’s form has dipped compared to his usual blend of smoothness and aggression since joining from Atalanta in 2021. Despite his struggles, the Argentine’s defensive qualities make him a crucial part of the team’s plans, and his return to form is eagerly anticipated.

Micky van de Ven, who arrived from Wolfsburg, has quickly established himself as one of Europe’s most athletic defenders. His pace and power often neutralize opposing attacks, though recent injury concerns have hindered his consistency. Tottenham must ensure his recovery to strengthen their defensive line.

At left-back, Destiny Udogie has faced criticism for underwhelming performances, with suggestions of friction with Postecoglou. To address this, Spurs could target Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.

Dorgu, known for his athleticism and versatility, has attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. His attacking contributions, ranking among the top 3% of defenders for goals per 90 minutes, make him a strong candidate to challenge Udogie for a starting role.

In midfield, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall emerges as a potential target. Currently at Chelsea, the former Leicester City player could provide the industrious and multifunctional qualities Tottenham need. His addition would complement the creativity of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison.

Kulusevski, now excelling as a central midfielder, has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season, while Maddison remains a key playmaker capable of influencing games with his vision and skill.

On the wings, Tottenham’s options include Brennan Johnson and Heung-min Son. Johnson has shown potential but could benefit from more competition on the right flank. Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, valued at £50 million, has emerged as a possible target. The Japanese winger’s flair and dynamism would add depth and creativity to the squad.

Son, despite showing signs of aging, continues to perform at an elite level. The versatile forward, praised by Postecoglou as one of the league’s best attackers, remains central to Tottenham’s plans. His ability to alternate between goal-scoring and playmaking roles ensures his value to the team remains high.

Up front, Dominic Solanke has made an immediate impact since joining from Bournemouth for a club-record £65 million. While his goal tally stands at six in 14 appearances, his physical presence and ability to hold up play have added a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack. With further refinement, Solanke could become a pivotal figure in Postecoglou’s system.

Postecoglou’s system has shown flashes of brilliance, and with targeted improvements, Tottenham can still turn their season around. By addressing defensive vulnerabilities, enhancing midfield depth, and bolstering attacking options, Spurs could unlock their potential and challenge for silverware. The current lineup has the talent, but refining their approach and ensuring key players remain fit and motivated will determine their success.

With strategic investments in the January transfer window, Tottenham could solidify their position and make a push for the top four. While the season has presented challenges, it also offers opportunities to rebuild and thrive under Postecoglou’s guidance. The path forward requires careful planning, but the rewards could redefine the club’s trajectory.

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