After searching for years, Tottenham Hotspur may finally have found the right manager to take them to the next level. Mauricio Pochettino did an excellent job in charge of Southampton and is now performing well in charge of Spurs. In fact, the White Hart Lane faithful believe that the Argentine could lead them to their first Premier League title in the coming years, if not this season. Tottenham are currently fourth in the table and stand an incredible chance of finishing in one of the coveted Champions League places at the very least. Here, we take a look at their season so far and discuss why Pochettino can lead them to glory in the future.
It would be fair to say that most Spurs fans would have snapped your hand off if you offered them a fourth-placed finish this season. However, Tottenham’s passionate supporters now have one eye on the Premier League title. This is largely down to the influence of Pochettino as the Argentine has taught Spurs fans to trust and believe in his players. In previous years, many have been sceptical of Tottenham’s title chances but, now, it’s almost impossible to rule them out. In fact, many fans from all over the country are now buying Spurs tickets in the thousands in order to see their brand of exciting football in the flesh.
Tottenham’s transformation is actually quite remarkable. Just three years ago, Spurs were lacklustre, untrustworthy and downright average. Nowadays, they play exquisite, passing football and create numerous opportunities. The likes of Christian Eriksen, teenage star Dele Alli and Erik Lamela have all been outstanding so far this season and are key reasons for Tottenham’s resurgence towards the top of the division. Pochettino’s hunger and desire to achieve success has driven Spurs up the table and his eye for talented, young prospects – such as 19-year-old Alli – is unrivalled. Tottenham signed the midfielder from Milton Keynes Dons for a fee of just £5 million last February. What a signing he has been!
Without a doubt, Pochettino is the man for Spurs. While they’ve achieved reasonable levels of success under other managers in recent times, Pochettino’s philosophy and beautiful style of football will appeal to Tottenham’s growing fan base. The Argentine has been clever and built his side around England international Harry Kane. The Spurs frontman is lethal in front of goal and attracts plenty of attention from opposing defenders, which usually means Tottenham’s creative midfielders find space in the opposing half. However, they aren’t one-dimensional. In fact, Spurs can vary their style on a weekly basis, which means it’s almost impossible to predict how they are going to line-up.
In terms of this season, the top four must be Tottenham’s number one priority. Although they could go on to win the Premier League title, both Arsenal and Manchester City are exceptionally strong and it might be a step too far for this squad. Tottenham have a young, growing group of players and their talent is clear for all to see. However, they are still raw. Pochettino’s side will make the odd mistake or two, as demonstrated during their home defeats to Leicester City and Newcastle United, but their upside is huge. Spurs have enough quality and they must focus on securing a spot alongside England’s elite in the Champions League places.
In the future, the sky is limit for this Tottenham side. Defensively, they are solid. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have an excellent relationship at the heart of Tottenham’s defence and provide reliability in front of France international Hugo Lloris. The club captain is a commanding figure in the side and his leadership skills are evident both on and off the field. These three players have been central to Tottenham’s early season promise and Pochettino will be desperate to keep all three stars at White Hart Lane for the foreseeable future. With the likes of Kyle Walker and Eric Dier making up the back four, Tottenham have a strong, young defensive unit, which is essential for a squad looking to win its first championship.
The future is certainly bright for Tottenham and their supporters but what of Pochettino? Reports have linked him with a move to Manchester United at the end of the season but it’s hard to see the Argentine leaving Spurs anytime soon. Pochettino is a superb manager and if he stays at White Hart Lane, there’s absolutely no reason why Tottenham cannot win the title in the coming years. With the tactically astute Argentine at the helm, Spurs will stand a great chance of success and silverware in the near future and, with a bit of luck, they may even topple the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal in the title race this season.
