Week after week, Tottenham fans have endured dreadful performances under Ange Postecoglou, with the club sinking as low as 16th and now being labelled a relegation-threatened side. Naturally, this has sparked questions about what Spurs might have been if their most successful modern-era manager, Mauricio Pochettino, had stayed. Despite suffering the same fate as many of his predecessors, Pochettino came closest to delivering silverware.
When he arrived at Spurs in 2014, the former Southampton and Espanyol manager inherited a squad that was a chaotic mix of talented misfits and average journeymen, many of whom seemed ill-suited for the club’s ambitions. At the time, Tottenham were in between Europa League finishes and the occasional Champions League appearance.
Pochettino became the driving force behind Spurs’ transformation, elevating them from a promising club to a genuine European contender. However, his later decision to join Chelsea remains puzzling, as his tenure there was short-lived and uninspiring. Regardless, let’s take a look at the first starting XI he fielded at Spurs before he reshaped the team and left his mark.

1. Hugo Lloris (Goalkeeper)
The French shot-stopper remained a stalwart for Spurs until 2023, amassing over 400 appearances. In 2018, he captained France to World Cup glory. In 2024, Lloris transitioned to Major League Soccer, signing with LAFC, where he still continues to showcase his world-class goalkeeping. A Spurs legend? Surely
2. Eric Dier (Right-Back)
Initially deployed as a central defender, Dier’s versatility saw him occupy both defensive and midfield roles at Tottenham. In 2024, he reunited with former teammate Harry Kane at Bayern Munich. At Bayern, Dier is yet to win a senior professional trophy as his bad luck followed him still.
3. Younes Kaboul (Centre-Back)
After leaving Spurs in 2015, Kaboul had stints with Sunderland and Watford. He retired from professional football in 2020. Post-retirement, Kaboul ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing a luxury watch brand in Dubai. He also serves as a pundit for French sports media, offering insights from his playing days.
4. Kyle Naughton (Centre-Back)
Naughton departed Tottenham in January 2015, joining Swansea City. At Swansea, he became a consistent presence in defence, accumulating over 300 appearances. As of 2025, at 36, Naughton still remains an integral part of Swansea’s squad, providing experience and leadership in the Championship.
5. Danny Rose (Left-Back)
Rose’s tenure at Tottenham concluded in 2021, followed by brief periods with Watford and Newcastle United. He retired in 2023 and has since become a prominent advocate for mental health awareness. Additionally, Rose mentors LGBTQ+ athletes through the Professional Footballers’ Association, drawing from his personal experiences to support others.
6. Nabil Bentaleb (Midfielder)
Bentaleb departed Spurs in 2017, embarking on a journey that included spells at Schalke 04 and Angers. In 2023, he revitalized his career with a move to Lille, where his midfield mastery has been instrumental in their domestic and European campaigns.
7. Étienne Capoue (Midfielder)
After leaving Tottenham in 2015, Capoue found success with Watford and later Villarreal, where he was part of their Europa League-winning squad in 2021. As of 2024, he is without a club and is contemplating a transition into coaching or a final playing stint in Saudi Arabia.
8. Aaron Lennon (Winger)
Lennon exited Spurs in 2015, joining Everton before later moves to Burnley and Kayserispor in Turkey. He retired in 2023 and has since taken on roles as a BBC Sport pundit and mental health advocate, openly discussing his personal battles to inspire and support others.
9. Christian Eriksen (Attacking Midfielder)
Eriksen left Tottenham in 2020 for Inter Milan, where he won the Serie A title. Following a life-threatening cardiac incident during Euro 2020, he made a remarkable return to football. Even in 2025, Eriksen is a key figure at Manchester United, operating as a deep-lying playmaker and continuing to influence games with his exceptional passing abilities. A true living inspiration!
10. Erik Lamela (Winger)
Lamela’s tenure at Spurs concluded in 2021 when he transferred to Sevilla. In 2024, he made a surprising move to AEK Athens, bringing his distinctive flair and tenacity to the Greek Super League, much to the delight of local supporters. One of the best players to control in FIFA back in the days. Amazing baller! Could have given more to Football.
11. Emmanuel Adebayor (Striker)
Adebayor departed Tottenham in 2015, subsequently playing for Crystal Palace and Istanbul Başakşehir. He retired in 2020 and has since dedicated himself to philanthropic endeavours, focusing on educational initiatives in Togo. Known for his vibrant personality, Adebayor often engages with fans and former teammates on social media, maintaining a playful online presence.
While Pochettino’s first Spurs XI had its flaws, many of those players carved out respectable careers, with some even thriving at the highest level. Looking back, it’s hard not to wonder how this squad, under Poch’s magic, would’ve fared against the current Tottenham side sinking to 16th. One thing’s for sure—Spurs fans wouldn’t be watching a relegation battle unfold.
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