Tottenham supporters remain concerned at how the club could replace a “Rolls Royce” defender like Toby Alderweireld should he leave in what remains of the summer transfer window.
In an interview with the Press Association, We Are Tottenham TV’s Simeon and Ben Daniel gave their thoughts as the club prepare for life in their new stadium.
Transfer business
Tottenham traditionally leave their transfer business very late in the window, and that they again look likely to do so is no surprise to their fans. Of more concern is where they strengthen, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Alderweireld.
“Even if Mousa Dembele stays, we need a central midfielder,” says Ben.
“He’s ageing; technically he’s one of our best players but we still need a long-term replacement.
“The Toby situation’s very scary. He’s such a Rolls Royce defender, who can we bring in who’s an adequate replacement (if he leaves)?
“(Reported targets) Jack Grealish and Lewis Cook are not names to make our fans excited.”
Pre-season performances
In the International Champions Cup, Spurs overcame Roma 4-1, drew 2-2 with Barcelona, and defeated AC Milan 1-0 before losing 4-1 to Girona in a separate friendly.
“What really surprised me about the whole tour (of America) was Georges-Kevin N’Koudou. He performed really well, though he performed really well last pre-season,” says Ben.
Simeon added: “The players who have shone who needed to step up are Lucas Moura, who has been absolutely fantastic, we’re going to really need him the first few games of the season, Oliver Skipp, and Serge Aurier.
“Skipp’s 17 and was fantastic in central midfield. He’s not quite ready for the first team but he definitely has potential.
“Aurier, given (Kieran) Trippier’s escapades at the World Cup, is going to really step in in those first few games.”
Hopes and dreams
Both agree that Tottenham need to win the first trophy of manager Mauricio Pochettino’s reign.
“I’m hoping for a title challenge, to go further than we did in the Champions League last year, and to win a trophy,” says Ben.
“It’s the first season in a new stadium,” says Simeon. “I’d aim for a top-three finish but what we really need is a trophy, to bring the stadium home and stop the questions about this team going to the next level.”