Tottenham: How Postecoglou’s side could soon line up – Rashford leads attack
Ange Postecoglou could field a very different Tottenham starting XI once the winter transfer window slams shut next month.
Daniel Levy has already sanctioned a move for goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, with Guglielmo Vicario sidelined, though further injuries have left Spurs extremely weakened in defence.
Despite this, many of the transfer rumours concern positions much further up the pitch, with the potential for Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Yves Bissouma all dropped to the bench in February.
Here is how Tottenham could line up once the winter transfer window closes.
GK – Antonin Kinsky
While a return to football in February for Vicario would be the “best-case scenario”, the 21-year-old has been an important addition this month and is unlikely to be axed by Postecoglou.
RB – Archie Gray
Pedro Porro has been the first-choice right-back since he arrived in North London in January 2023, but with Kyle Walker looking to seal an exit from Manchester City, Gray might have to step up.
Tottenham News understand that the Spaniard is seen as a long-term replacement for the England international at the Etihad, who is now closing in on a move to AC Milan this month [The Telegraph].
Postecoglou might be left with no other choice but to play his 18-year-old prodigy at right-back instead, especially a possible new signing being made in midfield.
CB – Micky van de Ven
It seems highly unlikely that van de Ven will be axed from the starting XI once he returns from injury, even if Spurs are able to add depth to the squad with a new defender.
The Lilywhites had been linked with Lens talent Abdukodir Khusanov [The Telegraph], but with the 20-year-old seemingly signing for Man City, Radu Dragusin could be the only defensive backup option for the second half of the season.
CB – Cristian Romero
Similar to van de Ven, Cristian Romero could be available soon [Gaston Edul], which could deter Postecoglou and Levy from adding a new defender to the squad, even despite both centre-backs’ injury issues.
LB – Djed Spence
Many supporters thought Spence’s career in North London was completely over after being frozen out by the manager, making his recent return to the starting XI all the more impressive.
The 24-year-old has made 12 appearances since the summer, now becoming an important figure in the first team, suggesting he will not be removed until Destiny Udogie returns to full fitness.
CDM – Rodrigo Bentancur
Following somewhat of a rocky start to life at the Hotspur Stadium, Bentancur is easily one of the most-loved figures in the Spurs squad, with supporters reaching out to check on him after suffering a new injury.
While Postecoglou has Bissouma and Pape Sarr at his disposal, it is difficult to see the Uruguayan dislodged from the lineup when he’s fully fit.
CM – Davide Frattesi
Now, looking at one of the potential new signings in the winter transfer window, Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi would easily come straight into the starting XI if he were to be signed.
Already dubbed “one of the best midfielders in Serie A” [Fabrizio Romano], Spurs are ready to offer £26million for the Italian’s signature in an attempt to add more depth to the midfield [TV Play].
Though Frattesi has only made four starts in Serie A this term, the 25-year-old already had 25 international caps for Italy and boasts experience all over the Italian top division.
CM – Dejan Kulusevski
While Kulusevski has been linked with a £45million move away from North London [MilanLive], there is no way Postecoglou would sanction his exit this month.
The Swede has five goals and four assists in 20 Premier League appearances this season, becoming one of the most important players in the squad and easily pushing Maddison to the bench.
His staying is an absolute non-negotiable.
RW – Brennan Johnson
The Welshman has gone a little quiet with his performances following a lightning-quick start to the campaign, having joined an exclusive club of players to score in six consecutive competitive games for the club.
If Postecoglou can provide the forward with more confidence, there is no reason why the winger cannot recreate his earlier form and keep his spot in the starting XI.
ST – Dominic Solanke
Having arrived at Hotspur Way on a £65million deal in the summer [BBC Sport], it seems highly unlikely that Solanke would be removed from the starting lineup, especially now that Randal Kolo Muani is no longer an option.
LW – Marcus Rashford
Spurs have started informal talks over a loan move for the Manchester United wantaway star, as per The Independent, with an agreement needing to be made over his eye-watering wage.
The 27-year-old is earning £300,000-a-week, and while the Lilywhites are not willing to splash that cash, there are talks ongoing to find a solution for this deal to go through.
While Son Heung-min has just put pen to paper on a new contract extension, the South Korean’s form has taken a dip, which could open the door for Rashford to go straight into the lineup.
Tottenham potential lineup: Kinsky; Gray, van de Ven, Romero, Spence; Bentancur, Frattesi, Kulusevski; Johnson, Solanke, Rashford.
In other Tottenham news, a new manager might have been “given assurances” about a “fantastic” player Spurs want to sign.
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