Paul Robinson: Tottenham squad depth yet to be tested, Postecoglou could want January signings
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Ange Postecoglou’s squad depth is yet to be truly tested at Tottenham this season, according to Paul Robinson.
Spurs failed to qualify for Europe last season and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in August, meaning the club has only played, competitively, one non-Premier League match since Postecoglou was appointed.
Tottenham have, however, had their injury and selection issues to contend with this term with Destiny Udogie, Ivan Perisic and Manor Solomon all currently sidelined [Premier Injuries].
Rodrigo Bentancur has returned from his long-term injury hell though, with the Uruguay midfielder coming off the bench to play over 10 minutes against Crystal Palace last week at Selhurst Park.
Robinson believes that although it’s been an impressive season for Tottenham so far, the toughest run is yet to come because injuries and likely to weaken Postecoglou’s options in the upcoming festive period, meaning he may want reinforcements in January.
“I think the manager will want to bring his own players in during January. He’s had a good first half of the season to look at them but every player has made a real case as to why they shouldn’t be replaced,” Robinson told Tottenham News.
“Squad depth is something that the manager will look at, I think there are players that he’ll want to move on and bring his own players in to strengthen in different areas. But I think there are no glaring weaknesses at the moment.
“The glaring weakness could potentially be squad depth but that’s not been tested. They’re out of the Carabao Cup, there’s no European football, the FA Cup is going to come in in January with the league, so it’s not like they’re playing Wednesday-Sunday or Thursday-Saturday every week. The amount of fixtures they’ve got is not causing them a problem.
“Injuries and suspensions, yes they will kick in at some point this season, so squad depth is potentially one of the only things that you could look at with this Tottenham side.”
“Is there equal cover in every position like we hear week in and week out at Arsenal and Manchester City? Is there high-quality competition in every position? There’s competition in every position, but is there high quality?
“He’s got long-term injuries, he’s got Bentancur to come back into the side, Perisic as well who’s out long-term. He’s got those two to factor in and to come back in.”
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou potentially faces a midfield selection dilemma against Chelsea.