Expert: Tottenham’s midfield will not click until their stars return
Tottenham Hotspur faces significant challenges due to the absence of key players in midseason international tournaments, impacting their Premier League campaign.
Captain Son Heung-min, along with midfielders Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma, played vital roles in Spurs’ early-season success.
The Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations have disrupted various teams, but Tottenham appears particularly affected by the absence of their first-choice midfield.
Tottenham’s statistics highlight the impact of Bissouma and Sarr on the team’s performance. In 12 games with both players in the starting XI, Spurs won nine times. Conversely, in five games without either, they secured only one victory.
The recent FA Cup match against Manchester City revealed vulnerabilities in Tottenham’s midfield, leading to their exit from the competition.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s rustiness and Rodrigo Bentancur’s defensive challenges were evident in the match against Manchester City. The absence of Bissouma’s defensive solidity and Sarr’s box-to-box contributions left Tottenham exposed. Bissouma’s assuredness in defensive midfield plays a crucial role in stitching the team together during transitions.
Sarr, known for his attacking threat and versatility, adds energy and physicality to the team. His ability to defend and contribute in the attacking third provides balance to Tottenham’s play.
Without Bissouma and Sarr, Spurs can appear disjointed in their build-up, raising concerns about their performance in upcoming fixtures.
The question arises about the cost of their absence and how Tottenham will navigate crucial league games without them. The next fixtures against Brentford, Everton, and Brighton pose challenges, with the possibility of missing Sarr and Bissouma. Tottenham’s fight for a top-four spot intensifies, and their entire season now focuses on the remaining league games.
The challenge for manager Ange Postecoglou is to guide the team through this period of international absences, ensuring they remain competitive in the race for a top-four finish.
The absence of key players until mid-February requires strategic management to keep Tottenham’s top-four hopes alive.
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