Ever since Conte’s appointment earlier this season, the Italian has tweaked his 5 at the back tactics.
At times, we’ve played at 5-2-3 whilst he’s also opted for a 5-3-2 on occasions. Both have shown positives and weaknesses. However, I believe the 5-3-2 is the way forward.
The 3 midfielders within this formation are vital to any success. Their capability to break up play, protect the defence and create chances must be used effectively. The midfield is the heartbeat of the team, so choosing who to play there is no easy decision.
Currently, Spurs have several choices available to them.
In the Saturday night chaos against Manchester City, Conte chose a duo of Hojbjerg and Bentancur. To my surprise, it worked incredibly effectively with the two of them performing strongly against the champions.
This excluded the likes of Skipp (currently injured) and Winks. If the Spurs squad is fully fit, then I would play Bentancur and Skipp with Kulusevski playing as a number 10 and drifting wide.
Bentancur and Skipp are yet to play together since the Uruguayan’s arrival. However, their attributes will match nicely.
Skipp will win the ball back and choose a killer pass. Meanwhile, the former Juventus midfielder will play slightly higher up, finding passes consistently.
He showed his qualities on Saturday when the Uruguayan’s pass to ‘Deki’ set up Spurs’ last-minute goal at the Etihad.
However, when fit, Skipp must be the common name on the team sheet. Despite this being his first full season with us, he has been a star in an under-performing team.
Against a stronger team, Hojbjerg will offer more defensive cover, shown by his average of 2.1 tackles per game (Whoscored). This may force Conte to choose Skipp, Hojbjerg and Bentancur to stop the middle of the park from being overrun.
With Bentancur and Skipp as the 2 holding central midfielders, Kulusevski should be given a run as the number 10.
Ever since arriving on deadline day, the Swedish international has featured off the bench, but struggled to make an impact. However, against Pep Guardiola’s men, he showed his true qualities. The 21-year-old added a goal and assist to his tally to help the team to victory.
It was the quality of his passing and crossing that showed why he is the man to currently pick. His assist for Kane’s last-minute header was perfectly placed, something that fellow winger and playmaker, Lucas Moura, has struggled with.
Despite the Brazilian offering more on a counter-attack, the Swedish international should be picked over him due to his more consistent delivery.
The Swede playing in attacking midfield will allow Son and Kane to play in front of him when fit. Son would try to make runs behind the defence and Kane would get the ball to his feet so he can turn and make a perfect pass.
The 2 holding central midfielders of Skipp and Bentancur with Kulusevski ahead of them gives us the perfect balance within the core of the team. They are both capable of winning the ball back and finding the next option. Meanwhile, ‘Deki’ will be able to run at the defence and lay it off to Kane or Son.
Overall, I hope Spurs use these three as the core of the team for the upcoming games. It gives us a balance that we have desperately lacked in recent years. However, if Conte chooses something else, then I’ll fully support him.
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