Whilst the likes of Roberto Soldado, Paulinho, and Christian Eriksen were joined by £30m Erik Lamela, Nacer Chadli, Etienne Capoue and Romanian defender Vlad Chriches, a number of squad players have immediately found themselves beneath first team requirements, fighting for their place and ultimately their careers.
Spurs are quickly leaving behind any nostalgic English styles and replacing this with foreign flare and pace. Whilst the above mentioned aim to play a full ninety minutes on a weekly basis, this potentially leaves an unlucky string of players left on the sidelines.
Whilst the defence seems covered with plenty of height and spine, with the company of flare and swiftness with wing backs Kyle Walker and Danny Rose, the club's midfield bares terrific fascination with an abundance of talent, potentially leaving a number of players frustrated and under-valued.
Gifted duo Gylfi Sigurdsson and Lewis Holtby have instantly seen the media raise opinion on their careers due to the entrance of five versatile additions. Sigurdsson has been useful for Spurs since his arrival from 1889 Hoffenheim last summer, with thirty-five appearances in all competitions, whilst his double-scoring performance against Norwich City on Saturday may cause a selection problem for AVB. 22-year-old Holtby only featured on eleven occasions last term, in particular used as a substitute, most frequently in the Europa League last term. The German international will most likely experience a similar twelve months this season which could see his mood swing to a future departure. Icelandic number 10 Sigurdsson has vast experience in English football with games for Reading, Crewe Alexandra and Shrewsbury Town during his growth since 2008. Although Holtby has two years on his fellow midfield partner, 24-year-old Sigurdsson provides more attacking potent whilst Holtby's position, holding the midfield and supplying the likes of Sigurdsson with through balls to attack potentially sees him as a reservation as fourth choice centre midfielder behind two powerful Brazilians and Frenchman Capoue. Although, Capoue's injury over the next month may provide the efficient Germany with an opportunity to prove himself.
The situation in goal seems to have been decided with Hugo Lloris firmly establishing himself as AVB’s number one choice. Second and third in the pecking order have seen Brad Friedel and Huerelho Gomes slip down the register. Gomes was a prime figure in the Spurs goal before the arrival of American Friedel but the 42-year-old quickly deep-rooted Gomes as third preference during an era which also saw Carlo Cudicini involved. Gomes choice to remain at the club has surprised fans considering his six-month loan spell in Germany earlier this year. Friedel’s consecutive run of first team appearances in the Premier League was inevitably disrupted by the ability Lloris posed. The former Aston Villa and Liverpool keeper remains a flexible and strong back-up to the French captain in spite of being the oldest player to have ever played in the top division.
In attack we find three players finding their roles at the club unverified. The £56m arrival of forward thinking Erik Lamela and Spanish striker Roberto Soldado have given Moussa Dembele, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe plenty to think about.
Whilst Dembele is expected to fulfil the potential seen throughout his Fulham career, the careers of both Adebayor and Defoe have yet again entered the fray. England’s Defoe is said to be determined to play his part this season despite the expected dominance up-front from the strong and appealing Soldado. Defoe’s lack of starts could thwart his international chances in Brazil next summer in what could be his last opportunity to feature at the World Cup finals. Defoe will certainly feature more than his counterpart Adebayor. The Togo striker failed to complete a move to Turkish giants Besiktas this summer and has barely featured in the media in terms of being linked with a possible move from North London since. A poor second season for the 29-year-old saw him convert on five occasions in twenty-five appearances in contrast to his first spell on loan at the club which saw seventeen hit the back of the net in thirty-three games.
With UEFA Champions League football the priority for Spurs this season a host of goals will be of grave importance. With Soldado’s crucial record for Valencia, the expectance of consistent three points will most likely see the Spanish forward establish himself as prime choice over his colleagues. This could see possible openings for both Defoe and Adebayor in the January transfer window to find regular first team action.
2013-14 could be Tottenham's and AVB’s biggest season yet. Huge outgoings and an impressive pool of flair on the field will be expected to pay off. As seen with both Manchester City and Chelsea, a huge invasion of new arrivals can unsettle those who have previously established their name on the team sheet.
The club have already traded fringe players including Scott Parker, Tom Huddlestone and Clint Dempsey for respectable fees to adventures elsewhere. Unfortunately for some, this is the nature of the game due to better and more convincing talent emerging. For fans, player exodus will not disappoint should the club’s new signings perform to a Champions League level.
