Tottenham have had an excellent season and are set to finish second behind Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite injuries, the North Londoners have had a consistent group of players who have featured in the starting eleven and since most of them have performed satisfactorily, Pochettino didn’t have to look elsewhere.
Tottenham haven’t many fringe players who could challenge the starting eleven but there are some players who could surely fill in the boots if some of the current players in the starting eleven are out through injuries or irregular form. We take a look at three fringe players who could play an important role in the Premier League next season:
#1 Harry Winks
Winks has played decently whenever called upon. His passes have been immaculate and his approach gives Pochettino something different from what the others have to offer. Mostly used a substitute this season, the young midfielder injected energy and directness whenever called upon. He has often been used to give Tottenham a more direct approach with his passing.
In addition, he doesn’t shy away from trying a brave pass which may even spark an opposition counter but sometimes you also need someone to take that kind of risk.
Although I don’t expect Winks to start regularly unless Dembele or Son is injured, I do think he is going to play an important role as a substitute and will start his deserved share of games if Pochettino sees fit.
#2 Erik Lamela
The Argentine has spent his time out with an injury this season and has undergone a hip surgery. With Tottenham thin in the wingers’ department and with numerous competitions to play in, Lamela is probably going to be an integral part of Tottenham’s lineup next season.
The Argentine has been successfully used as a really good substitute who can make things happen after having unsuccessfully trying to break the deadlock and that is something the current Tottenham bench lacks.
With numerous competitions to play in, he is perhaps good enough to get into the starting eleven even regularly. It remains to be seen though if Pochettino has grown frustrated with Lamela’s injuries and decides to sell his compatriot.
#3 Kevin-Georges N’Koudou
N’Koudou has often made things happen after coming on and there have been glimpses which suggest that he has enough to offer. The fact that Pochettino has a set of players who consistently feature in the starting XI might hurt his chances in the Premier League but he is sure to get starts in other relatively less important games next season.
He’ll have to carry the momentum forward, though, something he hasn’t managed to do this season.
N’Koudou’s work-rate is commendable and he also brings a lot of pace through the wings which may help stretch the opposition. That said, he needs to work on his consistency and I believe he deputise for some senior players if need be.
