The halfway mark has been passed under Ange Postecoglou’s first season in N17. Spurs sit in a satisfactory fifth place in the Premier League, but exactly how well are the players performing?
Ange Postecoglou via Tottenham Hotspur / YouTube
Such as a school report, players who have achieved over five starts (or over ten appearences) this season will be graded based off their performances so far from A* to F.
The players will be judged on consistency of performances, contributions to clean sheets or goals and impact and influence on the team. Without further ado, let the analysis commence.
Guglielmo Vicario: A*
When you have been signed from Empoli to a huge Premier League club, the pressure should be impalpable. The Italian goalkeeper has fluently gelled into the Spurs side and has proved to be a major upgrade for Spurs.
Vicario has prevented an astonishing 4.74 goals this season, and unquestionably has a monstrous mentality. His bravery against Chelsea with the high defensive line embodied how his ability has enabled Postecoglou’s style. Tottenham’s goalkeeper has been almost perfect.
Emerson Royal: C+
Traditionally a right back, Emerson has been asked to play at centre back more than he would have imagined heading into this season. While he is second fiddle to Pedro Porro, he has regularly stepped up and worked hard whenever asked upon.
There have been a few patchy performances in the 15 appearances this season, but he can be relatively happy with his role in the side and must know how much hard work and effort is needed if he wants to be the starting right back. A strong C+ for the adaptation in Emerson’s game this season.
Cristian Romero: B
Undoubtedly a frustrating first half of the season based off the high standards which Cristian Romero sets. The start of the season was spectacular from Romero. He performed well in defence with Micky van de Ven, and even added a few goals to his game. Most notably, that unbelievable strike at Turf Moor.
Romero appeared to go off the boil after the Chelsea red card. His bad discipline crept back in, and he was beginning to cost the team. He recently picked up an unfortunate injury, so the stop-start nature will be frustrating the co-captain. He must remain disciplined in the second half to assist Tottenham in a top four charge, because he is a vital defender.
Pedro Porro: A-
Tim Sherwood could not have been more wrong about Pedro Porro. He has settled into ‘Angeball’ with ease this season and has been influential going forward. His mentality is perfect, and his six assists so far this season represent his influence in attack.
His defending is not spotless but is much improved. He is positionally caught out on occasion. He has been ultra consistent, and that ultimately is the reason for A-. Pedro Porro is a vital cog and a fantastic constant in the Spurs side this season.
Ben Davies: B-
No matter the coach, no matter the problem for Ben Davies. His most redeeming quality is his adaptability and consistency, and his fantastic intelligence has meant Ange has trusted him at left back and centre half.
There is nothing glistening about Ben Davies’ game, but he gets the basics right on a regular basis, and he has stepped up in adversity when players have been suspended or injured. That will be crucial in the early years of Postecoglou’s Spurs era.
Micky van de Ven: A
The hamstring injury sustained by Micky van de Ven might have prevented Spurs from being top of the table at this moment. The Dutch international fits the new style of play like a glove due to his stunning athleticism, and it was a shame to see his hamstring go against Chelsea.
Tottenham were practically perfect in the first ten league games of the season, and his loss might be the most painful of them all. If Micky van de Ven wants an A*, no more days off for Spurs this season is recommended. His ability is frightening.
Destiny Udogie: A
At only 21 years of age, the potential of Udogie is frightening. His know-how from left back and his defensive and offensive qualities are outstanding. It begs the question, why was Udogie ever loaned back to Udinese?
He has had a large influence from the left and needs to stay out of disciplinary issues. He has the ability to make a senseless tackle, and while he is young that is expected, the learning curve is steep in the Premier League. He is unbelievable in transition and is a necessity for the attack.
Richarlison, Johnson, Son, Skipp and Porro via Tottenham Hotspur / YouTube
Oliver Skipp: D
With Skipp now at 23-years-old, the time for scrutiny is creeping in. While he is an academy product, the performances have not been fully up to scratch. He is one of the players who struggle most under Ange’s system. The passing is particularly an issue, with Skipp regularly misplacing passes under pressure.
Long-term, he probably is not suited to the side. He has acted as a hard-worker and has given his best on the pitch, and for that he deserves credit. As it stands, he is a decent squad player.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg: C-
As teams have been selected this year, Hojbjerg has barely been first choice this season. He has been rumoured with an exit and is blatantly not in Postecoglou’s plans. He has not been completely terrible however, and at points it has been surprising not to see the Dane start.
At points he has changed the game, even against Burnley in the FA Cup most recently. He has a great mentality and has had a few strong performances this season, and of course some under par. While his potential exit is understandable, Hojbjerg is a good player to have in any squad in world football.
Yves Bissouma: C-
In the first six games of so this season, Yves Bissouma was probably an A. After that plainly unintelligent dive against Luton, it has probably been an F. In basic terms, Bissouma has lacked consistency and discipline.
If he is able to return to the form of his first six games, he will become a joyful player to watch again, but he has been so underwhelming for a while. The mistake against Manchester City and the poor red card against Nottingham Forest has meant his involvement has been minimal. He must remain focused if he wants to play regularly.
James Maddison: A
An astonishing signing. Before his injury, Maddison was the most influential player in the side and was widely regarded as the signing of the season. The injury was precarious against Chelsea, and deeply disappointing.
He can take pride in his start for this club. Instantly named co-captain, so a popular figure amongst the players. His link-up play has created a host of goals for Spurs and will be a key part of the future success of Tottenham Hotspur. Maddison was not just consistent, but consistently good.
Giovani Lo Celso: B
Many expected Lo Celso’s Spurs career to never take off following his performances in the competition. The credit for his form largely goes to Ange who has installed the confidence in Lo Celso.
Particularly in the last few games, Lo Celso’s creative abilities has been displayed, and he has shown he can make an impact on this Spurs side. The Argentinian is one to watch for the rest of this season.
Pape Matar Sarr: A-
The blueprint for Sarr’s form this season was at the San Siro in the Champions League last season. An extremely likeable character on the surface, Sarr has cemented himself as a fantastic player for the future.
His first Spurs goal against Manchester United was the springboard for success for Sarr, who now unfortunately heads to AFCON. He has been fantastically consistent and intelligent in attack at just 21. His versatility means he will be a crucial figure for years to come.
Heung-Min Son: A-
In terms of replacing Harry Kane’s goals, Son has stepped up reasonably well. With 12 goals in 20 starts this season, the South Korean has stepped up to become a leader of this Spurs squad, which as a reminder is remarkably young.
His stamina has been an issue this season, if one minor problem was to be identified. Son regularly looks unable to sprint past minute 70 due to the amount of distance he is covering. With a world class player, you want them ready for every minute of the game, which is my only critique for our best player.
Richarlison: B
Before the surgery, Spurs’ number nine was once again struggling in front of goal. Since the surgery, Richarlison has been rejuvenated and has found his first patch of good form in a Spurs shirt. With six goals this season, the Brazilian can be satisfied that he is finally improving.
Sometimes Richarlison misses a clinical edge which prevents him from becoming a top striker, but his play in the middle-third has been generally sound. His work-rate should never be questioned as he wears his heart on his sleeve. Richarlison has room to improve but will certainly be happier than 12 months ago.
Brennan Johnson: C-
The expectation would be that Johnson has more than one goal so far for Spurs. His role has been as a wide player, and his positive moments for Spurs this season will be renowned for his assists, which he has four of currently.
He needs to improve in front of goal. He has an expected goals (xG) of 3.39 and has five big chances missed, which highlights that he has missed some important chances. He has integrated well however and appears to be solid off of both the right and left, which will be important for rotation if Spurs have plans to be in Europe.
Tottenham sit proudly in fifth place, one point behind rivals Arsenal after the turn of the mid-way point of this season. How Spurs will fare with injuries and suspensions in the second half remains t be seen, but the performances have been generally good so far this season.
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