As Tottenham Hotspur head into a pivotal summer, the focus is firmly on building a squad capable of pushing further under Ange Postecoglou. After a season of shocking domestic form but returning a European trophy, there’s a sense that Spurs are close—but key decisions in the coming months will determine whether they take the next step or remain on the fringes of genuine contention.
00:00As Tottenham Hotspur head into a pivotal summer, the focus is firmly on building a squad capable of pushing further under Ange Postacoglu.
00:12After a season of shocking domestic form, but returning a European trophy, there's a sense that Spurs are close,
00:18but key decisions in the coming months will determine whether they take the next step or remain on the fringes of genuine contention.
00:28Postacoglu's arrival brought a fresh identity with attacking intent and a renewed connection to the fan base,
00:35but the drop-off in form in the Premier League exposed squad depth issues and an over-reliance on certain individuals.
00:42Several players will be crucial to that progression.
00:47Captain Son Heung-min remains the heartbeat of the attack, while Miki van der Ven offers the foundation of a strong defensive future.
00:55Then there is ensuring they keep hold of James Madison, whose creativity and link-up play were central to Spurs' early-season form.
01:04Ensuring Rodrigo Bentancourt returns to full fitness and form will also be key as the midfield lack control at times in his absence.
01:13With European football returning and expectations rising, the margin for error is small.
01:18We spoke to James Trenbath of London World to gauge the feeling around North London.
01:26And James, let's just look ahead to Spurs' summer.
01:29Now, obviously, we've mentioned there are still a few players who do have to keep it in terms of the squad going into next season.
01:38You know, manager diff changes or not.
01:42Who are the players you feel that Spurs have to keep, that Spurs, you know, have to really nail down?
01:48You know, we've mentioned a number of times that the younger players have been the shining light of such an abysmal season.
01:54The likes of those that are the key sort of players to take Spurs forward next season.
01:59And then, obviously, you know, the likes of James Madison, Heung-Min Son, where does their future stand in terms of, you know, seeing the Spurs rebuild across, you know, what has to be said, a massive summer in terms of Tottenham Hotspur?
02:12Yeah, it's a huge summer.
02:14And I think that's, again, part of the reason why I think we should announce Ange's departure now, because we need to start planning.
02:19I really don't want that to be the case for Spurs.
02:21So, you're right, huge summer.
02:23We need to get on with the planning.
02:24And I think in terms of who we want to keep, we obviously, you know, we want to start building the team around that core of the youth, you know, the likes of Archie Gray, who, you know, he's had a rough ride this season, I must admit.
02:34He's come in and filled in at centre-back when we've needed him.
02:37He's played right back.
02:39But now there's nothing riding on the league.
02:41He still can't get a game in midfield.
02:42So, you know, we really should be playing.
02:44And that would also bore Ange a bit of time and put a bit of credit in the bank, in my opinion.
02:49So, we build it around Archie Gray.
02:50Lucas Bergwell has probably been the breakout star of the season.
02:53He's been absolutely tremendous since he's come in.
02:56Looks a real, real talent.
02:57And what a steal for eight and a half million.
02:59So, they're, you know, two players we must keep and build around.
03:02Mikey Moore, who need to, you know, obviously a very, very talented young midfielder, albeit he's a young player.
03:08Mickey van der Ven is another one we need to keep hold of.
03:11Dian Kulisiewski.
03:13You know, Destin Udogi, we've been linked with Manchester City.
03:16But, again, when he's fit and he's firing, you know, we've seen the power and the pace and the performance against Frankfurt was, you know, absolutely off the scale.
03:23He was magnificent that night, probably the standout player.
03:26So, there's a real core and nucleus of that youth.
03:29He probably had Jed Spence to that as well.
03:31He's not put a foot wrong.
03:33You could argue Jed Spence, despite not kicking the ball till late September for Spurs in that League Cup tie at Coventry, he's probably been Spurs' best player this season.
03:41And very, very consistent, a little bit unfortunate probably to miss out and be on the bench for those two Europa League quarterfinal tyres as well.
03:50And then, you know, we're looking at players who've got question marks over them, you know, the likes of Romero.
03:55He's done an interview this week, hasn't he?
03:57And, you know, almost laid it out that he wants to leave Spurs in the summer, albeit not quite saying that directly.
04:04Bentonker's contract is another one that's rumbling on.
04:07You've got the likes of Son.
04:08He's 33, or he will be.
04:11Come next season, you know, do we keep Son?
04:13Do we hang on to him for another season?
04:15Do we let him go?
04:16So, there's some big, big questions around.
04:20I think, you know, there's still a core nucleus of top quality players there at Spurs and certainly youth in terms of coming up and coming that we need to keep hold of and build around.
04:29And Matthias Tell, you know, will we take the option on him?
04:34Seems to be some noise around saying some, you know, some say we will, some say we won't.
Be the first to comment