Spurs new head coach Mauricio Pochettino has a big squad and plenty of deadwood to wade through in what should prove to be a busy summer for the Argentinian. Along with the fringe players from 2013-14, Tottenham have a number of men returning after loan spells elsewhere but do any have a future at White Hart Lane?
- Benoit Assou-Ekotto
BAE spent last season at QPR and although the left back contributed to a successful promotion campaign for the West London club, he was far from his best – according to Rangers boss Harry Redknapp. The former Spurs manager claimed he felt Benny was finding it hard to adjust to the Championship but does that mean he would be more comfortable back in the Premier League?
Benoit said earlier in the campaign that he was looking to see out his contract at White Hart Lane and with the left back slot continuing to prove problematical, does the Cameroon international have any chance of filling it?
- Jake Livermore
Midfielder Livermore made 41 appearances for the Tigers last season as they made it all the way to the cup final and the 24 year old clearly impressed Steve Bruce who is claimed to be eyeing a permanent move. Jake also added three useful goals and proved that he has a place in the Premiership but will he find a slot in a crowded Tottenham midfield?
Former coach Tim Sherwood hinted that he would be brought back into the fold for the 2014-15 campaign but with Crystal Palace and Hull thought to be circling, a move away from the club could be best for all concerned.
- Tom Carroll
Tom is another player who we thought was having a decent season at QPR only to be told that the fans didn’t rate him. Having been restricted to the occasional live TV performance, we highlighted the midfielder back in April when he provided three assists in a 5-2 victory over Nottingham Forest.
The quick feet and first time pass were in evidence but according to Rangers supporters who, to be fair, have watched him all season, the ‘lightweight’ issue had reared its head again.
“Tom Carroll is certainly one who will come back into the squad next season because he’s good enough for Tottenham.” So said Tim Sherwood back in March but it’s new coach Mauricio Pochettino who has the better reputation for bringing through young players and hopefully Tom Carroll will flourish next season.
- Iago Falque
24 year old Falque can be dangerous on either flank and might just prove to be an alternative to Aaron Lennon who endured a disappointing campaign. He spent last season on loan at Rayo Vallecano and in February scored two brilliant solo goals in a 4-1 win over Malaga.
We’ve seen very little of Iago but reports compare him at times to Andros Townsend and not in a good way. Wayward shots and a lack of end product could spell the end of his White Hart Lane career, particularly when there are other options on the wings.
- Lewis Holtby
Holtby crossed to Fulham in a bid to get some game time ahead of this summer’s World Cup but at the end of his stint, Cottagers manager Felix Magath declared that the switch had been a mistake. Certainly if you’re judging the loan by its two main objectives – keeping Fulham up and getting a place in the German squad for Brazil – it was a failure.
Lewis has also expressed a desire to stay at White Hart Lane but can Pochettino find room in his new look Tottenham?
Holtby and ekotto are good back up players to have….coys
It will be hard for them. Many of the summer seven have failed to nail down a first team spot. Four out of the five coming back form loan are in the midfield.