Mauricio Pochettino has spoken out about the club’s transfer plans, but he has ruled out adding a central defender to the squad.
Speaking at a press conference before Tottenham’s match with Atletico Madrid, Pochettino said: “I expect some signings in the next few weeks.
“We’ll see what happens. We expect some activity, yes.”
Yet when quizzed over the positions he hopes to fill, Pochettino denied that he wanted a new centre-back.
“Jan Vertonghen is in London but he is training very well now.
“He’s very close to coming back. Wimmer, Alderweireld and Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama can play centre-back.
“And then we have young players like Carter-Vickers and Ball. We have enough players in that position.
“He [Vertonghen] is going well in the last few days and we’ll see what condition he is in when we arrive on Monday and start training with all group.
“If it’s not possible [for him to play against Everton], we have enough players to replace him.”
While it is undoubtedly good news that Vertonghen could be fit for the start of the season, many fans will be alarmed at Pochettino’s plans. Last season saw Toby Alderweireld barely given a rest and a lot of Spurs supporters believe that a right-sided central defender is needed.
Instead, Pochettino seems intent on giving an opportunity to the 18-year old Carter-Vickers, or playing defensive midfielders Dier and Wanyama at centre-back.
Carter-Vickers gave a mixed performance in the friendly defeat to Juventus, struggling at first alongside an ill-at-ease Ball – who mainly played in defensive midfield for Rangers last season – before becoming more settled as the game went on.
Ball’s troubles in the centre of defence highlighted the issues faced when having to adapt to different positions, even if they’ve played in them in the past. Dier made mistakes in the away game against Watford and on England duty, on the few occasions he played as a centre-back last season, while Wanyama is something of an unknown quality in the role.
On the other hand, Pochettino prefers to use a small squad and this plan could allow Dier and Wanyama to play more games, while giving Carter-Vickers the chance to prove himself, perhaps in domestic cup matches.
So what do you think of Poch’s plans? Do we have enough cover at centre-back, or is he making a big mistake that could blow up in his face? Let us know your thoughts below.
there is no point in having an academy and not use it. Carter Vickers and Domonic Ball need game time, need practice and gain experience. do it in friendlies, re inforce it in training deliver it when required. ‘I would rather see these guys progress than an expensive misfit arrive spend the money on the academy and not on transfers
Ball should never be allowed near the first team again from what I saw against Juve. The success of the team comes first, a CL season is not the time to blood youngsters IMO or it’ll be over before it’s even started.
Come on..he is better than that ffs
More delusional comments in here..
But we’ll be fine we don’t need anyone..CV and Ball can fill the void.
Ball had a bit of shocker v Juve but hes still good enough to be given a go..seen that last season in SPL
And CV i reckon first Cup game for debut ..sounds good to me get the kid in COYS
We use plenty and this is clearly wjat is happening i don’t even see why this was written
Trust his judgement totally.
At the end of last season I felt that we were v.lucky to get so many games out of Alderweireld and thought we needed adequate cover. Carter-Vickers had a better game than Ball against Juve, maybe try to blood him in during the league cup playing alongside Vertonghen or Wimmer. CB is such a critical position though, I don’t know. V.hard to get any real quality players as cover, academy has to be at least partly the way forward.
Both Carter-Vickers and Ball would be a lot more comfortable playing alongside either Toby or Jan.
Spurs need a bigger..taller defender to take out crosses which in the pass.has cost Spurs to concede goals.
With all due respect,
We are going to have a big season up next with eyes set to clinch premier league as well as returning to champions league, we need experienced people at such an important position….it would be great if we sign a centre back and keep our bench strong too….as it gives a good feeling and also at training too we have tough sessions as well.
Rest is great at business which is evident from the past….and I hope we spurs clinch title next season and complete what was left last season.