Tottenham 2018/19: Transfers? Who needs transfers?

Kliq

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I just kind of accepted that is never going to open and it would be like the Familia Sagrada, still under construction 100 years from now.
 

scott bankheadcase

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See we always knew this would be true (just had to skin of the teeth escape the group round and effortlessly dispatch the Bundesliga leaders):
 

Gunfighter 09

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I wonder if the NFL game will be announced officially as well. I haven’t heard much about the removable pitch recently, so I assume it is working.
 

Zososoxfan

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That was an absolutely crushing defeat. Wasted opportunities in the first half followed by horrifying defending in the second. You'd think with Dele and Kane back in that they would do better, but instead they shit themselves. I'm not sure why Aurier isn't getting minutes now that he's healthy. I don't have as much of a problem with Toby sitting - one of this team's strengths is the 3 CBs and keeping them all fresh.

While everyone's fairly talking about the fact that Spurs have Liverpool, Citeh, and WHU left, United also have a brutal home stretch with Wolves, Watford, West Ham, Everton, Citeh, and Chelsea left. Arsenal still have Watford and a couple of other top half table fixtures left, but I think the Gooners get in and the fight will be between a United side that feels pretty good right now (yesterday's result notwithstanding) and a Spurs club that likely has a brutal UCL home-and-away coming up among tough EPL fixtures. Hanging onto a CL spot just got harder for sure though.
 

Kliq

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This one hurt. After the first Liverpool goal I had kind of accepted that Liverpool was a class above and would cruise to a 3-1 or 4-0 victory. Then in the second half, Spurs played some of their best ball of the season, really controlling the game and attacking Liverpool on a counter. They tied the game on a beautiful team goal and seemed to be pushing forward for a second, it seemed only a matter of time...until a soft header from Salah drifted in, Lloris and Toby collided and the ball slowly and painfully rolled over the line. It was just such a classic Spurs blunder, and I really don't need that kind of stress on a Sunday morning.
 

coremiller

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Good thread on Spurs' financials for 2017-18:

also here in easier to read format: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1115143646158970881.html

Some highlights:

- Spurs had the highest one-year pre-tax profit in the history of the PL last year, at 139m.
- Spurs' revenue has grown by 170m (81%) in just the last two years, and they are now almost on parity with Arsenal (only 7m behind)
- Spurs had the second-highest EBITDA in the PL last year, behind only Man Utd, and well ahead of the rest of the Big 6.
- This is mostly because Spurs' wage bill of 148m is still miles behind the rest of the Big 6 -- Everton have an equivalent wage bill, Arsenal's (next highest) is 75m more, and Man Utd's (highest) is nearly double. Spurs' wages to turnover ratio of 39% is the league's lowest by far.
- Due to the stadium construction, Spurs have the second highest debt, behind only Man Utd, and more than double the 3rd highest.

Upshot: Spurs' finances are in good shape. Big questions going forward:

- As the team transitions into a consistent CL participant, when will the core of top players start demanding wages commensurate with their abilities? Levy has been a magician at extending key players on below-market wages, but that can't go on forever.
- How will the stadium debt affect Spurs' ability to strengthen the squad to ensure regular CL participation? Interest payments were 14m last year, and that number is likely to go up.
- As a consequence of the above, how long can they hang on to Pochettino before he gets fed up with the financial limitations?
 

Zososoxfan

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Good thread on Spurs' financials for 2017-18:

also here in easier to read format: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1115143646158970881.html

Some highlights:

- Spurs had the highest one-year pre-tax profit in the history of the PL last year, at 139m.
- Spurs' revenue has grown by 170m (81%) in just the last two years, and they are now almost on parity with Arsenal (only 7m behind)
- Spurs had the second-highest EBITDA in the PL last year, behind only Man Utd, and well ahead of the rest of the Big 6.
- This is mostly because Spurs' wage bill of 148m is still miles behind the rest of the Big 6 -- Everton have an equivalent wage bill, Arsenal's (next highest) is 75m more, and Man Utd's (highest) is nearly double. Spurs' wages to turnover ratio of 39% is the league's lowest by far.
- Due to the stadium construction, Spurs have the second highest debt, behind only Man Utd, and more than double the 3rd highest.

Upshot: Spurs' finances are in good shape. Big questions going forward:

- As the team transitions into a consistent CL participant, when will the core of top players start demanding wages commensurate with their abilities? Levy has been a magician at extending key players on below-market wages, but that can't go on forever.
- How will the stadium debt affect Spurs' ability to strengthen the squad to ensure regular CL participation? Interest payments were 14m last year, and that number is likely to go up.
- As a consequence of the above, how long can they hang on to Pochettino before he gets fed up with the financial limitations?
Isn't the presumption that the increased capacity will lead to increased revenues? I also assume that payments in connection with Wembley (not just for its rental, but also things like concessions, sponsorships, etc.) will result in big differences on the books.
 

coremiller

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Isn't the presumption that the increased capacity will lead to increased revenues? I also assume that payments in connection with Wembley (not just for its rental, but also things like concessions, sponsorships, etc.) will result in big differences on the books.
Yeah, that's the theory. Even a significant rise in the interest (currently 14m) is not a huge constraint; the bigger problem is that eventually they have to start paying down the principal.

Notably, Levy hasn't found a naming rights sponsor for the stadium yet. I doubt it remains "Tottenham Hotspur Stadium" for much longer.
 

Zososoxfan

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Yeah, that's the theory. Even a significant rise in the interest (currently 14m) is not a huge constraint; the bigger problem is that eventually they have to start paying down the principal.

Notably, Levy hasn't found a naming rights sponsor for the stadium yet. I doubt it remains "Tottenham Hotspur Stadium" for much longer.
There were rumors last week that Google is interested. Considering all the new tech at the stadium, it would make sense.
 

Gunfighter 09

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Don’t tell my wife or kids that Sonny is my favorite human being on the planet.

That Kane ankle injury does not look good, especially for playing next week.
 

Kliq

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Spurs have had to rely on Fernando Llorente way too much this season.
 

coremiller

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Spurs have had to rely on Fernando Llorente way too much this season.
When you have to rely on Llorente at all, it's too much.

He won't start at the Etihad. They'll play Son/Lucas and look to get pacey runners in behind on the break.

I'd like to see Llorente start this weekend though against Huddersfield. They should rotate and keep the big players fresh for the Wednesday/Saturday City double. If the Spurs backups can't beat Huddersfield at home, what are they even doing on the books?
 

Kliq

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When you have to rely on Llorente at all, it's too much.

He won't start at the Etihad. They'll play Son/Lucas and look to get pacey runners in behind on the break.

I'd like to see Llorente start this weekend though against Huddersfield. They should rotate and keep the big players fresh for the Wednesday/Saturday City double. If the Spurs backups can't beat Huddersfield at home, what are they even doing on the books?
Agreed. I actually think Llorente has been pretty good considering the expectations and the team has played well when he’s been on the field. He’s slow as molasses but he’s knows how to position his big body in front of the net and can cause some problems in the six yard box.

I’d like to see Spurs try and improve their attacking depth. Outside of Lamela and Llorente they really don’t have a bench player (Lucas and Son are basically interchangeable starters) with any sort of pedigree. Like Liverpool has Sturridge and Origi, who aren’t awesome but can come in every once and a while and spark something.

I really wish they went after Shaqiri when he was sitting there for a bargain price.
 

veritas

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I'd like to see Dele start in the middle, he's the most similar to how they've been using Kane this season with Son and Moura. He can disrupt the defense with his movement and hold up the ball while the other two attack from wide. The problem with that is he's also by far their best midfielder. They're in big trouble if Kane is out the rest of the season.
 

DJnVa

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Injuury update--Kane injury is considered "significant". So, yeah.

Alli broke his hand, but he may be able to play this weekend.
 

Zososoxfan

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I'd like to see Dele start in the middle, he's the most similar to how they've been using Kane this season with Son and Moura. He can disrupt the defense with his movement and hold up the ball while the other two attack from wide. The problem with that is he's also by far their best midfielder. They're in big trouble if Kane is out the rest of the season.
This. Son and Alli need to be far up the pitch because they are the only 2 consistent finishers. Eriksen when he is on is probably third with no one else in sight for 4th. Moura, Bizzaro Pique, and Lamela have some goals and will obviously have to play, but in the key matches, Son-Alli need to be the 2 up front.

With Son's biggest assets being his speed and workrate (and now finishing(!)), I think a withdrawn-striker/false 9 role for Alli would work. Basically, have Son run off Alli all over the backline and have Alli as the fulcrum to play in Son and the wing players, while still creating threats down the middle himself with his dribbling, shooting, and combo play with Eriksen. I expect we will see some 3-5-2--i.e. the 3-4-2-1 with Son-Alli as the 2, combinations of Sissoko, Winks, Eriksen, Wanyama, Dier (!?!) in the middle 3 MF, with Trippier, Davies, Rose, and Aurier directed to move aggressively upfield. Moura is pretty interchangeable with either forward spot.

When Llorente plays, a 4-2-3-1 keeps everyone in their best positions but also includes playing Llorente. Poch is really going to have to keep all the plates spinning down the stretch.
 

Kliq

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That Wanyama goal was one of my favorite of the season. Wanyama’s composure was fantastic for a holding midfielder who hasn’t played much this season, and Llorente’s holdup play, seal out and slight touch to get the ball to Wanyama was subtle but brilliant.
 

Gunfighter 09

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Clearly, the new stadium is a difference maker. It seemed loud in there from the TV feed.

I have to think Poch’s work with Sissoko is nothing short of miraculous. I would have settled for replacement level production, but keeps looking incredible. He really seems to have found away to maximize Sissoko’s dominant size, speed and passing instincts while minimizing the impact of his limitations
 

coremiller

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Clearly, the new stadium is a difference maker. It seemed loud in there from the TV feed.

I have to think Poch’s work with Sissoko is nothing short of miraculous. I would have settled for replacement level production, but keeps looking incredible. He really seems to have found away to maximize Sissoko’s dominant size, speed and passing instincts while minimizing the impact of his limitations
Maybe I’m crazy but I think Sissoko has been their most valuable player this season, if only because he's the only central midfielder who's managed to stay healthy. Everyone else -- Dembele (now gone to China), Dier, Wanyma, Winks -- has missed significant time. Sissoko has started 25 league games, while Winks has started 17, Dier 14, Dembele 7, Wanyama 3, and Skipp 2. By staying healthy and playing competently, he's basically saved the season.
 

Tangled Up In Red

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Maybe I’m crazy but I think Sissoko has been their most valuable player this season
Not crazy, at all.

By staying healthy and playing competently, he's basically saved the season.
"Competent" is a genuine understatement for what Moussa has become. Even against the floor scraping expectations we all had to start the season.
 

Zososoxfan

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Sissoko wins MVP, but I think Jan deserves a ton of credit for keeping the backline together most of the season as his CB partner and the FBs dropped and swapped around him. Jan is a legit top 5 CB in the world. Pique, VVD, and 2 other guys round that group out.
 

Kliq

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Agreed. I actually think Llorente has been pretty good considering the expectations and the team has played well when he’s been on the field. He’s slow as molasses but he’s knows how to position his big body in front of the net and can cause some problems in the six yard box.
As perhaps the only person in the "Llorente is not THAT bad" camp, I have to bring up that his own true skill couldn't have emerged at a more important time. He definitely needs to do something with Shakira!
 

Tangled Up In Red

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Llorente was the "bold" decision by Poch (rather than Davies in and Rose to MF). Changing the system took guts... and it paid off ugly.
 

Kliq

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Watching the highlights on some weird YT channel because BR is slacking. The way this guy (perhaps it's Arabic?) says Son's name after he scores is amazing, it's at the 2:16 mark:

 

DJnVa

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So, back to the top 4 chase. After Man City, Spurs play Brighton (H), West Ham (H), Bournemouth (A), and Everton (H).

They'll be favored in all 4 games--they win them all they're safe. They grab 10 points they're probably fine too. A draw Saturday would be huge, but I'm not counting on it, unless City is just completely shattered by what happened.
 

DJnVa

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Spurs down 1-0, 72nd minute. They've actually had a chance or two. Since GD might matter I won't hate a 1-0 loss, but a draw here would be MASSIVE.
 

Mugsy's Jock

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Thought Wanyama was impressive today — so powerful. Need Dele to be healthy for the home stretch...he’s the key to the rest of the season
 

DJnVa

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After this weekend's results, per 538 Spurs moved fro 78% to 89% to qualify for Champions League.
 

Time to Mo Vaughn

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After this weekend's results, per 538 Spurs moved fro 78% to 89% to qualify for Champions League.
Despite their own loss, a great weekend's results for Spurs. Since the probabilities add up to 200%, that appears to only take into account EPL qualification. They're also given a 15% chance to qualify via winning the Champions League Final.

What I'm not sure about with SPI is how it handles injuries (I think this was a criticism of it in the past with the NBA), and how or whether it's adjusted as a result of Kane.
 

Zososoxfan

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The team showed a lot of heart on Saturday. City came out wanting to avenge their loss a bit and Spurs never backed down. I thought Poch had good ideas and selection but ultimately just wasn't enough. Results around the league definitely softened the blow. Another short rest as the lads have a match on Tuesday against BHA. BHA have been pretty bad over the last couple of months but they are still fighting relegation, so I don't expect them to roll over.
 

DJnVa

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Can't screw around today. Come out and get a result and see if the others can keep up.