Pundit highlights two big concerns for Spurs under Ange Postecoglou

Former Everton winger Pat Nevin questions whether Tottenham Hotspur have enough strength in depth to challenge for a top-four spot and compete for major honours this season.

Tottenham finished fifth last season

Spurs started last season in sublime form, but they struggled towards the end of the campaign, eventually being pipped by Aston Villa to fourth place.

Ange Postecoglou will not want a repeat of that, which is why he has made reinforcements across the pitch over the last two transfer windows as he tries to mould a squad which can compete on multiple fronts.

However, Nevin points out that fatigue is something that always plagues Postecoglou’s sides in the latter part of the season, given the demands he puts on his players, with the pundit questioning if Tottenham have the resources to cope with that.

He wrote in his BBC Sport column: “Against Everton, there was plenty to admire, just like the first half against Leicester last week, but have they added enough yet to comfortably secure that top-four finish? The answer is… definitely maybe.

“‌With Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Brennan Johnson and Richarlison already onboard in the attacking half, they have now added the hyper-tricky winger Wilson Odobert and £65m worth of striker in Dominic Solanke. This makes perfect sense because of the demands of the Angeball style.

“‌It needs a deep and talented squad, particularly in the final third, because they are expected to run themselves to exhaustion in every single game. Great fitness helps but no one can do that three times a week for an entire season. Every player gets tired.

“I watched Ange demand this at Celtic and, though hugely successful, tiredness became a concern late in games and late in the campaign. Last season he knew he needed more back-up on the bench.”

Fatigue and player morale may be an issue for Spurs

Nevin also suggested that managing the fringe players may become a challenge for Postecoglou as the campaign goes on, suggesting that Richarlison was not happy to be left out of the starting eleven against Everton.

The pundit added: ‌”The problem is keeping everyone happy – which isn’t easy. Richarlison had a face like thunder on the bench on Saturday. If Ange can keep them all sweet with his impressive and honest man-management, then maybe Spurs can finish in the top four – or, more likely, win a cup.”

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Whether or not Tottenham have a squad capable of competing with the best sides in the Premier League remains to be seen.

However, I do not foresee Ange having too many issues coping with the unhappy players as the Australian is a straight talker, who will be honest with those who do not play.

He sets high standards and is certainly not one who will tolerate any sulking from those who find themselves on the fringes.

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