Tottenham’s Starting XI; Who will make the cut?

This season is our first under Andre Villas-Boas and everybody is wondering what players he will be keen on and which might not take his fancy. I don’t think there will be a massive overhaul but there will be positions up for grabs. Every player will be given a clean slate so they will be looking to impress. This is what I think our strongest starting XI will look like next season in a 4-3-3 formation.

GK: Brad Friedal – Brad was excellent for us last season and I feel, despite being 41, he has another season if not two. I would be happy to have him between the sticks next season.

RB: Kyle Walker – This position pretty much picks itself. The current young player of the year broke into the team last term and has become of our most consistent performers.

CB: Younes Kaboul – Two seasons ago, Younes wouldn’t have even been considered as part of our strongest 11 but he is now our best centre-back and he is one of the strong contenders to receive the captain’s armband after Ledley King’s retirement.

CB: Jan Vertonghen – A deal for Jan was a long saga and it looked as if it would never go through but now that it has I think he will slot straight into the side. The Belgian international can also play left-back.

LB: Benoit Assou-Ekotto – He has been a consistent performer for us over the last three-four seasons so I think he will retain his position again this season. He also recently won the award of being our best ever left-back.

CM: Sandro – The Brazilian was used as back-up to Scott Parker last season but I think this is his season to break into the starting 11. I’m a big fan of him and he has the attributes to be a first choice Spurs midfielder.

CM: Joao Moutinho – He isn’t currently a Spurs player but if reports are to be believed then once Luka Modric departs he will become one. He will be Luka’s replacement and I think he has the quality to fill the Croatian’s boots.

CM: Rafael Van Der Vaart – The Dutchman will be the creative and attacking influence of the midfield trio and will be the more forward thinking of the three. He can score goals and is a firm favourite of the White Hart Lane faithful.

RW: Aaron Lennon – Whenever fit he is always first choice for this position, but he hasn’t had full fitness for the last 18 months in truth. I think he will play regularly next season and when he’s fit he’s one of our most influential players,

ST: Emmanuel Adebayor – He is currently a Manchester City player but he was on loan with us last season and this Summer we have agreed a fee with Man City so it’s up to Chairman Daniel Levy to sort out his contract. He is good at assisting goals and is prolific in the 18-yard box, netting 17 times and 11 assists last season.

LW: Gareth Bale – Like right-back this is one of the positions that pretty much picks itself. One our top performers in the last two seasons and I don’t think there will be much change next year.

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