Opinion: Tottenham’s back five can become the best in the Premier League
Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs side are known as one of the most exciting and attacking teams in the Premier League, but their defensive line is incredibly strong, too, at least on paper. Here’s why Tottenham’s back five should be the best in the division.
Perfectly balanced
In Guglielmo Vicario, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie, Spurs have what looks like a genuinely top-tier back five. Give it a year or two, and there should be no doubt that they’re the best defence in England.
Looking at goalkeepers across the league, you’d have to say Ederson and Alisson are still the top dogs. But, they are both looking likely to depart next summer for the Saudi league. With them gone, Vicario and Arsenal’s David Raya will no doubt be the best in the Premier League.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have got the inverted full-back role down to a tee. The pair are incredible at getting forward, offering space either out wide or in behind the attacking areas, and contribute with their fair share of goals and assists.
For my money, there are no better full-backs in the league, on either side. Not only do they provide attacking returns, but they stand their ground in defensive areas, block crosses, and are able to break down opposition moves.
It is in the middle of defence where Spurs really have it made, though. In Cristian Romero, the Lilywhites have not just one of the best centre-halves in the league, but in the world.
The Argentine has shed his previously tempestuous and erratic ways and is now a far more composed, responsible leader at the back. His range of passing makes him an asset when it comes to building attacks, while his more focused aggression and reading of the game make him nigh-on impossible to get past.
Alongside him, Micky van de Ven offers the calm head, the athleticism, and the ability to play with his left foot that make him the perfectly-balanced partner to Romero. Together, the pair offer the ball-playing prowess Postecoglou needs from his defenders, and the necessary cover for the marauding runs of the full-backs.
Aside from Spurs, Arsenal and Manchester City are the other two teams to pretty much have their central defensive options sorted. While the Gunners rely heavily on Gabriel and William Saliba, City are able to mix it up a bit more, with the likes of Manuel Akanji, John Stones, Nathan Ake, and Josko Gvardiol all able to bring world-class qualities to the role.
Room for improvement
So, what’s stopping the Spurs backline from being the best combination in the whole league? A lot has been said about the high line Postecoglou employs being a problem, but it’s really not.
There is nothing wrong with defenders playing high up the pitch or keeping a tight line, but the key to that working is focus. It does seem that every time Spurs get caught out at the back it’s because of a lapse in concentration or a slight failure in communication between the defenders.
If Postecoglou and his coaches can fix that, and ensure that his defenders are not just offering lots going forward but are also able to maintain the risky yet rewarding high line he wants, the clean sheets will come.
Add to that the fact that Vicario just needs to command his area a little better, and Spurs have the ideal last line of defence just in case his defenders do switch off.
It will take some time, but Tottenham’s back five is still fairly young, they’re a fantastic foundation to build upon, and they all have the potential to be elite players that when combined, would be a force to be reckoned with.
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