As a team that was famed a few years ago for having a modern, high-energy midfield, Tottenham fans might be wondering where all of that enterprise has gone. This year, Spurs have suffered from having a lethargic, one-paced midfield that does not score enough goals, does not set enough goals up, and offers precious link between defence and attack. These problems have persisted for a while, arguably starting in the run to the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final. However, this summer, reports suggest that Spurs will look to rebuild the engine room – potentially with the money brought in from Harry Kane.
In a normal market, Spurs might find willing buyers for the likes of Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko. They would also likely find an eager domestic market for Harry Winks, the academy midfielder who has slowly but surely faded from view and form. However, there will be challenges in moving players on for anything like the intended value – with a rebuild absolutely essential, though, fans could see players moved on for cut-price deals to make space on the wage bill for new arrivals.
With Kane likely to go, it is reported that Spurs make up for the shortfall from having to sell midfielders at a smaller value by using the Kane funds. With the likes of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso still retaining high level performances, it is suggested the next Spurs coach will need to build around this duo whilst much of the other midfield options are shown the door.
Why do Spurs need a new midfield?
Put simply, the majority of the midfield on the books at Spurs have gone off the boil. Many lack consistency, and many of the players can really only do similar things to one another. There is a lack of versatility in the middle, and this can hurt Spurs when it comes to trying to dominate games. The issue, too, comes down to effort; it would be fair to say that Lo Celso and Højbjerg have given their all for most of the year. Can the same be said of the rest of the midfield?
At the moment, is it highly likely that Spurs will look to rebuild the midfield from scratch. In what might be the biggest midfield rebuild in many years, Spurs could see some essential changes to their squad arrive in the near future. Midfield was a strength under Mauricio Pochettino, and the club might return to making the middle of the park one of their most feared aeras of the pitch.
Really, ever since Moussa Dembele walked out the door, Spurs have struggled to find the same balance and quality in midfield. That could change, though, as Spurs look to rebuild their team, shuffle the pack, and build a whole new system around a new midfield.
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