Star Wreck
Spurs: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the investment company owned Tottenham. Its perpetual five-year mission: to plod through the Europa league, to sign new players then sell them for profit, to boldly go where we've only gone once before.
With less than a handful of games left in the season we edge closer to the summer months so prepare to strap yourselves in for another g-force face melting rocket trip to the transfer market stratosphere where the stars glisten but remain forever out of reach. Hopefully Mauricio Pochettino and Paul Mitchell will steer us towards new frontiers. That's not to say Daniel Levy hasn't captained us with some measure of relative success. Ignoring the imbalance of the past two or so seasons, we've had momentum. Losing it doesn't mean it's completely out of reach.
So what do we need exactly?
I'm not asking for specific names as that's usually a poisoned chalice when you start pinning your hopes on highly rated players that end up with a Champions League side. What exact qualities do we require to truly strengthen the spine of the side and allow the good but inconsistent current players to blossom in a more solidly structured line-up? Granted, some of the current batch (a select few) might just surprise us next season much like say Danny Rose has excelled himself this term. Ben Davies, a Pochettino signing, hasn't cemented a role in the team and has often looked out of sorts and struggles with the responsibility. Write players off at your own peril. Sometimes it's easy to do so (sorry Roberto Soldado) but now and again the unexpected plays out (Harry Kane anyone?).
As for those essential qualities? This is subjective as it's just my opinion but we could do with the following:
Clarity in defence - Jan Vertonghen is the only nailed on centre-back but remains temperamental and could do with a solid partner. Eric Dier looks to have the right mind-set to succeed there but is young and inexperienced. Federico Fazio has to play more, but with Vlad Chiriches remaining a utility it's vital we have consistency just in front of Hugo Lloris.
The full-back roles are equally erratic. Rose and Davies can compete (more so if the latter pushes himself into contention). Andre Yedlin is raw so Kyle Walker needs more than just someone to deputise in any potential absence.
Leadership - I'm not restricting this quality to the traditional chest pumping vocal skills. Scott Parker and Luka Modric, with a relentless work ethic, allowed our midfield to transition from deep into flowing attacks. We need someone in a central role to make us tick over. Someone to free the likes of Christian Eriksen for a more expansive impact.
Not suggesting Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason don't have spirit. The former is going to be a big player for us. Highly rated Dele Alli is incoming. But once more, experience is required to support the spine.
Attacking Intentions - The never-ending headache. Harry Kane can't always lead on his own. We need depth here if we're serious about competing in any competition.
There are other conundrums, mainly flank related. But these remain contentious as you either rate or don't rate the likes of Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli and Andros Townsend. I doubt any of them will leave.
Onwards then Spurs. Beam us up Poch.
