Tottenham face a difficult opening day fixture against Everton to kick-off their 2016-17 Premier League season.
The Lilywhites will be looking to make a statement after their lacklustre end to the previous campaign but Ronald Koeman, in his first official game in charge of the Toffees, stands in their way. Outside90’s Lochy McIvor takes a look at the Spurs team that should walk out at Goodison Park this weekend.
Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper
The Tottenham captain has spoken of his desire to win silverware with the club following heartbreak at the Euros and a result on opening day would be the perfect first step towards that. Always a man for the big occasion, he comes up when needed most.
Kyle Walker – Right-back
One of the few England players to not harm his reputation under Roy Hodgson, Walker also enjoyed his finest campaign yet for Tottenham last season. The brain blips are becoming less frequent, while his physicality, pace and power are a handful on both ends.
Toby Alderweireld – Centre-back
The Belgian defender proved to be a bargain and he slipped in seamlessly last summer to command the Spurs’ backline. A complete defensive player who rarely puts a foot wrong, or has a hair (literally) out of place. Handled compatriot Romelu Lukaku comfortably in both fixtures last season.
Kevin Wimmer – Centre-back
Did not feature during preseason but should be fit in time for the first Premier League game. The young Austrian will fill in for the injured Jan Vertonghen, just as he did at the start of the year. He showed in that time he is more than capable of combating the top-flight’s best attackers.
Danny Rose – Left-back
The England international has improved out of sight under Mauricio Pochettino and is now clear first choice at left-back. He will need to be on his toes to deal with Everton’s pacey right side of Seamus Coleman and Gerard Deulofeu, but never backs down from a scrap.
Eric Dier – Centre-midfield
Thrived last campaign in a new midfield role screening the back four and showed at the Euros there is more to his game than just defending. Dier may be just 22-years-old, but his tenacity and leadership are crucial to Tottenham’s young side. Makes the team tick.
Victor Wanyama – Centre-midfield
The hardest spot in the team to predict, with Mousa Dembélé out suspended for four further league games. Ryan Mason could yet pip the new summer signing, but a difficult away fixture may just push Pochettino to pick the Kenyan. With the pressure turned right up, Wanyama’s ability to control the midfield battle could give him the edge.
Dele Alli – Attacking-midfield
He did not enjoy his recent time in the Three Lions shirt like he might have envisaged, but Alli already plays with a chip on his shoulder and the criticism will only drive him more. Coming off an incredible debut Premier League season (10 goals and 9 assists), Alli will only be looking to better it. With his ability, it is hard to see him not growing further. Scored a peach of a goal in his last visit to Goodison.
Erik Lamela – Attacking-midfield
A man transformed. The Argentine had a productive Copa America campaign off the bench and finally looks like the man Spurs paid the big bucks for in 2013. He has been the stand-out during preseason and netted against Juventus and Inter Milan. Could very well hit the ground running and be the star man against Everton.
Christian Eriksen – Attacking-midfield
Eriksen is never one to grab the headlines, but his playmaking ability is key to Tottenham’s success. He has seen a lot of football in the past two years, but got a deserved rest over the summer with Denmark not qualifying for the Euros. May relish the space Coleman leaves him as he charges up the pitch.
Harry Kane – Striker
Just like Alli, Tottenham’s golden boy came under fire for his displays in France. Although he was hopelessly isolated in Roy Hodgson’s disastrous system, that did not stop the criticism. But Kane works well with something to prove. He showed he was not a ‘one-season-wonder’ last time around by scoring 25 and claiming the Golden Boot. The 23-year-old looked laser focused as he bagged two goals against Inter last week.
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