Read in a thread here that some people listed Toby, Hugo and Harry as our most important players. I wanted to reply that Eriksen was our mip, as we need his mobility and ability on the ball. Then I remembered we have Carroll, who has a style quite like Eriksen. And that got me thinking about our squad. Which is absolutely fucking fantastic at the moment.
We have a good backup goalkeeper in Vorm, as backup for a true world class Lloris. Our left and right back alternatives are so good that it's hard to say who's first choice and who actually are the alternatives. Wimmer has stepped in like a champ as a CB, and we have Dier who can fill in when needed. Our CB first choice pair are individually fantastic, and as a pair has to be one of the best in the world.
In central midfield we have a ton of alternatives, all a wee bit different from each other. We've got the terrific defensive beast in Dier, who mostly shows an incredible discipline and who looks incredibly mature in his defensive positioning. We've got the amazing Dembele, who mixes world class ball winning with world class ball control. The combination of Dier and Dembele offers so much control. Then we have Mason, who isn't quite as good at controlling games, not quite at the two mentioned's level defensively, but who offers more movement and the ability to make good runs into the box. We have Alli, who is even more mobile and more of a goal threat. We have Carroll (and since yesterday, Eriksen) who might not be the best ball winners, but who offers more as playmakers, who are very good at passing the ball quickly, and at making theselves available for a pass. Then we have an amazing talent in Bentaleb, who hasn't quite gotten going this season, but who seems like a mix of Dembele and the playmakers.
In the AM positions it's the same story as for the two CMs. A lot of players, each a little different from the rest. We have Lamela who offers creativity and aggressive press. Eriksen offers constant mobility and quality on the ball. Son offers fantastic mobility. Chadli is a bit less mobile, but offers more striker like qualities and will always be a goal threat. Alli is everywhere, doing everything, with an amazing ability to score goals. We have extreme pace with N'Jie, who's unfortunately been out with an injury for too long. We've got alternatives in Carroll, who's quite like Eriksen in many ways, and Mason, who offers mobility and defensive qualities. And we have a very talented Onomah, who looks quality, and a Pritchard that I had high hopes for before his very unfortunate injury.
Some say the striker position is a problem, due to a lack of backup. I've said that's bullshit all along, and Chadli's and Son's appearances as striker replacements have reinforced my stance. Chadli is quite Kane like, while Son offers more in terms of mobility but less in terms of hold-up play.
Except from Lloris, I wouldn't say that we have players who could transfer to Barca/RM and walk into their first team. But we have a fantastic versatile squad, and a style of play, a collective confidence and a togetherness that makes us click.
What a fantastic time to be a Spurs supporter. Long may it last!