Evaluating the Premier League title contenders: Tottenham Hotspur

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

This man or £100 million isn't a bad dilemma for Spurs to have

If there's one thing to associate with Tottenham Hotspur's last two Premier League seasons, it would be painfully unlucky. Spurs actually managed to achieve top 4 status in 2012, only for Chelsea to become European Champions by penalties and take their Champions League place. Then in 2013, The Lilywhites achieved their best ever points total in 28 years, yet were still out thwarted to 4th place by their North London rivals, Arsenal. Armed with an array of quality new signings to add to their already talented squad, and with Bale or potentially £100 million to spend, surely it can't be third time unlucky for AVB's men?

The summer so far 

Spurs have added to their already talented squad this summer with the arrival of Brazilian box to box midfielder Paulinho who shined in the Confederations cup, Belgian left winger Nacer Chadli,French defensive midfielder Étienne Capoue  and Spanish front man, Roberto Soldado. Paulinho provides an attacking threat from midfield who likes to arrive late into the box and get on the scoresheet, some comparing his style of play to Frank Lampard. Capoue can take off the workload off Sandro, and could take his place as the ball winning midfielder if he gets injured. Chadli is a versatile right footed inside forward with lightning pace, he likes to get one on one with the opposing fullback. Finally, Soldado can fix Spurs' lack of goals from upfront last season, with Defoe and Adebayor only finding the net 16 times between them. Bale outscored them both with 21. If the Spaniard can bring over his 30 goals for Valencia last season to White Hart Lane, Spurs will stand a far better chance at cracking open defensive minded teams than they did last year (for example, they struggled to break the door down against Sunderland on the final day) 

Soldado's goals could be the difference against winning and drawing

However, the multi million pound question all summer has been surrounding Gareth Bale. There are no doubts that the Welshman isn't worth as much as £100 million, but the problem is that Bale is absolutely indispensable for Spurs, and there really aren't any players in the world with Bale's ability that Spurs can sign realistically attract. Hence for Daniel Levy, it's not the money that's the problem but the player he's losing. My prediction is that Spurs will persuade Bale to stay for one more season to get them into the Champions League, and he will go to Real Madrid next season (Like the Man Utd-Ronaldo situation)

As for the current crop, Tottenham possess a world class goalkeeper in Hugo Lloris who will crucial for them yet again this season. Gylfi Sigurdsson is a set piece god (I love him on Football Manager) and Michael Dawson, who was out of favour at first yet forced his way into the starting eleven is the sort of captain that Spurs need. You only had to see his face after the last day of the season to know how much the club means to him. One thing that Spurs did well was getting a knack of scoring late goals, often turning 1 point into 3. Tottenham will definitely want to bring this good habit back for this year and embed it into their team spirit for future seasons

Possible lineup

Verdict

Spurs have spent well and were very unlucky to miss out on the top 4 last season. With Arsenal's lack of new signings, Tottenham Hotspur on paper have a stronger squad and should do even better this season with increased team cohesion. If Spurs manage to keep Bale, Spurs will do very well. If they do decide to sell him, they must do it soon if they want enough time to spend the money before the end of the season. Like I said, I anticipate that Spurs won't sell him this season, but next and hence I predict Spurs to finally reach the Champions League again. 4th

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Fan's view

Dembe Lulu @DembeLulu

1) What is the general feeling amongst the fans?

Most of us feel that we've signed enough quality players to make sure that even if Bale does leave, we will get top 4

2) Which player will be the one to watch?

Lewis Holtby could have a big season, he looked good in the Under 21s World Cup

3) What are Spurs' strengths?

We are a really physical and athletic team, we dominate most games and make it hard for the opposition to get into their rhythm most of the time

4) What are Spurs' weaknesses?

Our defence, we conceded far too many goals last season, we conceded more goals than any of the top 7 teams, especially from set pieces

5) What will happen in the ideal world?

Bale stays, we finish top 4, Soldado gets 20+ goals

6) What will happen in reality?

We lose Bale, don't replace him , finish 5th, Soldado will still have a good season