Tottenham Hotspur wing-back Matt Doherty hinted that a trimmed-down squad could help bring the team closer

In conversation on the club’s official matchday programme (h/t Football.London), Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty was of the opinion that a smaller squad could bring the team much closer. He reckoned that the same formula worked for his previous employers Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Lilywhites have been struggling to put up points on the board recently. The January transfer window saw a lot of people leave the club with Dele All leaving on a permanent transfer to Everton while the likes of Jack Clarke, Bryan Gil, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele all secured loan deals.

Spurs managed to save some face and bring in two young exciting prospects in Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur but there still seems to be a long way to go if we are to challenge for top titles once again.

Even though many fans could see this transfer window as the club’s inability to lure budding talents and experienced stars, the Irish wing-back feels that the departure of several players could help bring the team closer together.

In conversation with the club’s official matchday programme (h/t Football.London), Matt Doherty spoke about the advantages of having a smaller squad. He highlighted how this could help the players be more focused and put in more effort every week:

“l definitely think it will help. I had it at Wolves where you have a trimmed down squad. You kind of feel like you’re always involved. Even if you are on the bench, you feel like you have a chance to come on. Everybody is also bit closer together and it is a good feeling knowing that you’re either going to be on the bench or you’re going to play every week. You’re not worried about being in the stands or whatever”

Tottenham Hotspur and struggling to find the right balance

Every top club must learn to tread a fine line when it comes to squad members. Whilst Fabio Paratici has tried his best to use his connections and lure talents from the Serie A there still seems to be a long breach between where Spurs are and where they want to be at the moment.

The departure of certain players may not necessarily be such a bad thing as it could help the players gain some confidence as well as get some necessary minutes under their belt. This situation could also be of great value to the manager as he could help develop an identity and system around the players that are still present at the club.

This would help him get a better idea of where the club should invest in the coming transfer window. Over the past few months, the likes of Doherty and Harry Winks have seen an increase in the number of first-team minutes that they have been receiving.

This move may not necessarily be productive for every player but it can help assess each player and their strengths more carefully. It would also help provide a boost of confidence to players who would otherwise be afraid of not getting enough opportunities.

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There is certainly merit to the fact that a trimmed squad could help build a more suitable environment with a core group of players. That being said every club has different requirements and the Lilwyhites will have to pull up their socks if they are to have any shot of having a successful campaign this season.