Five Tottenham players who must step up to have any chance of winning a trophy
With the Premier League season all but gone for Tottenham Hotspur following a poor start that has left them comfortably outside the top-four race, all focus now turns to the Europa League, but if they are to win, a few players must step up – let’s find out.
With their domestic campaign fizzling out, Spurs have no choice but to put everything into Europe.
Tottenham’s path to the Europa League final is now clear, and with pundits seeing Spurs as one of the favourites to win the competition, expectations are growing.
However, despite showing glimpses of quality this season, inconsistency has plagued their squad. Injuries, particularly have played a part in their struggles.
Yet, this is a squad with undeniable talent, and if they hit top form at the right time, the Europa League could be theirs.
That said, while every player must raise their game, certain individuals hold the key. Spurs need big performances from their biggest names, and these five players, in particular, must deliver if they are to lift silverware this season.
Five key players who hold Tottenham’s fate in their hands
Dejan Kulusevski needs to bounce back from injury
Kulusevski started the season brightly but has seen his form nosedive in recent months. The Swede has openly admitted to operating at just 40% of his energy levels for large spells of the campaign, which is a concern given how vital he is to Spurs’ attacking play.
His versatility makes him indispensable, but for Tottenham to have any real chance of ending their trophy drought, he must rediscover his relentless work ethic, creativity, and goal threat. If he can get back to his very best, Spurs’ prospects improve drastically.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42(most of any Spurs player) | 10 | 10 | 3,054 |
Micky van de Ven is key to the Tottenham high line
The Dutch centre-back has barely featured this season due to injuries, yet when he has played, Spurs have looked far more assured. His recovery pace and ability to carry the ball out from the back make him an invaluable asset—one that is incredibly difficult to replace.
For Van de Ven, having a big end to the season is not about form—it is about availability. Spurs simply need him fit. He has returned to action just in time for their crucial Europa League fixtures, and if he can stay healthy, their defensive structure immediately strengthens.
| Competition | Matches Played (MP) | Goals | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets (CS) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 9 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 790′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 136′ |
Guglielmo Vicario is Tottenham’s general at the back
Top goalkeepers win you trophies. Since returning to the starting XI, Vicario has helped shore up Tottenham’s defence, keeping two clean sheets and conceding just twice in his last four Premier League outings.
His leadership is evident. He commands his backline, barking orders and keeping them organised, while also pulling off crucial saves that keep his side in the game.
If he can eliminate the occasional error and maintain his shot-stopping heroics, Spurs may just be able to mask the defensive frailties caused by previous injuries to Van de Ven and Cristian Romero.
| Competition | Matches Played (MP) | Goals | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets (CS) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 15 | 0 | 15 | 4 | 1,350′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 180′ |
Dominic Solanke needs to get back amongst the goals
With Richarlison struggling to stay fit and Mathys Tel looking more suited to a wide role, Solanke is Tottenham’s main man up front.
His hold-up play, pressing, and ability to lead the line have been sorely missed in his absence, and with the season now reaching its defining stage, he must deliver.
The injury layoff may have been a blessing in disguise, giving him a much-needed break after a gruelling campaign. Now, with fresh legs and renewed sharpness, he has to find the back of the net more consistently. Goals will define his contribution from here on out.
| Competition | Matches Played (MP) | Goals | Assists | Penalties Scored (PEN) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 18 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1,601′ |
| FA Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 6 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 264′ |
| League Cup | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 332′ |
Heung-min Son needs to step up as Tottenham captain
Son is undoubtedly one of Spurs’ greatest players of the modern era, but by his own high standards, this season has been underwhelming.
Ten goals and ten assists are respectable numbers, but Tottenham need more—Mo Salah levels of output.
Big players win big games, and Son has the quality to be the difference-maker in the clutch moments. If he can rekindle his best form, his influence could propel Spurs to long-awaited silverware.
For a player who has given over a decade to the club, lifting a trophy would be the ultimate reward.
| Competition | Matches Played (MP) | Goals | Assists | Penalties Scored (PEN) | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 24 | 6 | 9 | 1 | 1,775′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 89′ |
| UEFA Europa League | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 410′ |
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