Peter Crouch has made his predictions for Tottenham’s 2019/20 season, suggesting his former club will be the closest challengers to Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race.
The striker, who made 93 appearances for Spurs and retired earlier this summer, thinks Spurs will come third in the Premier League behind last season’s top two, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal trailing in their wake in that order.
“The closest challengers to Manchester City and Liverpool,” Crouch wrote in a column for the Daily Mail. “Forget about some of the erratic results they had last season when they struggled with fatigue and injuries – Tottenham are a brilliant side and will comfortably finish third again.”
Tottenham secured deals for Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis and Ryan Sessegnon from Fulham on deadline day to add to their swoop on Lyon for Tanguy Ndombele. Jack Clarke also joined from Leeds United but has returned to Elland Road on a season-long loan.
The club missed out on an audacious late swoop for Juventus star Paulo Dybala, but Crouch believes Mauricio Pochettino has more than enough quality in midfield and attack.
He said: “They have spent a lot of money and the arrivial of Tanguy Ndombele is exciting – he will add drive to the midfield. Everyone knows about Harry Kane, who will be desperate to win the Golden Boot again, but I want to stress the importance of Son Heung-min.
“He is a top player, one of the best forwards in Europe and I think he will be even better again this season. Dele Alli will also be fired up. I love watching Tottenham play and think they will go from strength to strength.”
Pochettino’s future has been a source of speculation in recent months amid rumours of interest from Real Madrid, and Crouch has admitted there is a possibility the Tottenham boss may not be in north London for much longer.
“Mauricio Pochettino – could this be his last season at Spurs?” he added. “He’s performed miracles so far against richer rivals but the Argentine needs some silverware to show for all his fine work.”
Asked who Tottenham’s key man will be this season, Crouch said: “Harry Kane – so much more to his game than goals but few better strikers around. If he stays fit, expect Spurs to secure a fifth consecutive top four finish – and Kane to win the Golden Boot.”
Tottenham’s season kicks off against Aston Villa at the new stadium on Saturday.
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