Several Tottenham fringe players were given a chance to impress in the EFL Cup tie at Liverpool. Some did so, while question marks remain over others. Here’s what we learned from the game…
Michel Vorm, Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies are first-team material
All three proved they are ready-made, quality replacements for Hugo Lloris, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose respectively.
They haven’t had a consistent run in the side and now that Spurs are out of the EFL Cup, they might find their chance even more limited.
The bonus for Spurs is that these players pushing Lloris, Walker and Rose has undoubtedly been a factor in those three players’ excellent performances.
Eric Dier’s substitution suggests Toby Alderweireld won’t be fit
Dier was somewhat overrun against Liverpool, who outnumbered Spurs in midfield, but his substitution on 67 minutes suggests he is being protected to stand in at centre-back again for the injured Alderweireld against Leicester this weekend.
Harry Winks has a big future
Boss Mauricio Pochettino is a big fan of the midfielder and has been eager to get him in his first team for some time. Winks showed glimpses of why, with some classy touches and coolness in possession. But he’s another who needs much more first-team football.
Tom Carroll is still yet to convince
One thing we certainly did not learn from the game was what successive managers, including Pochettino, have seen in Carroll. Spurs exercised an option to extend his contract until 2017 last year but why they did not cash in on a player who does not appear to have a natural position is anyone’s guess. Is he a number 8? Is he a number 10? It’s difficult to see if he is either.
No League Cup football will help Spurs
Despite the defeat, Tottenham showed they have the depth in their squad. However, putting sentiment about cup competitions aside, they will benefit from no EFL Cup football for the rest of the season. It has an impact on preparations for Premier League matches and given their involvement in the Champions League and of course the FA Cup, Spurs’ exit from one cup competition might be for the greater good.
