5 Tottenham stars with the most to prove v CSKA Moscow
Tottenham Hotspur’s (L-R) Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen and Dutch forward Vincent Janssen take part in a training session at the CSKA Arena in Moscow on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the Champions League football match between CSKA Moscow nd Tottenham Hotspur. / AFP / YURI KADOBNOV
These five Tottenham stars must come up big
Today represents a terrific opportunity for Tottenham to erase the bad memories of their opening Champions League match against Monaco. Earning three points away at CSKA Moscow would go a long way towards correcting the home loss to Monaco.
Unfortunately, Mauricio Pochettino won’t be taking his best squad to Russia. Spurs will be without quite a few first team players today. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Danny Rose, Moussa Dembele and Moussa Sissoko have all been left to recover from their injuries in North London.
Of course, Spurs won’t use those injuries as an excuse for failing to secure the victory. This year the club has the talent to compete in big-time matches even without some of their biggest stars. It just means that some of Tottenham’s lesser-known stars will have to step up and fill the talent void.
Read on to discover the five Spurs stars that have the most to prove heading into the match against CSKA.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
5. Ben Davies
Let me be perfectly clear, I’m very concerned about Ben Davies’ ability to step up to this level of competition. Danny Rose missing this match is a huge issue for Spurs. It might be the most critical injury to the club’s chances today.
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Davies just doesn’t have the big-time athleticism to thrive against top-notch attacking competition. It’s not that he plays poorly, he just doesn’t stand out in any sort of positive manner. Part of it comes down to the Welshman’s refusal to venture far enough up the pitch to get caught out in defense.
It’s a particularly important match for Davies because it might be his last time to leave a positive impression for a while. Rose is expected to be fit for Manchester City this weekend, and it could be quite some time before Davies gets another meaningful start.
If Davies can show well against CSKA Moscow, he can solidify his status as a high quality backup at the left back position. If he struggles, Tottenham may look to replace him sooner rather than later.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Adam Clayton of Middlesbrough (L) and Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur (R) battle for possession during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
4. Dele Alli
Simply put, it’s time for Alli to have a high quality match on the big stage. He struggled in the opening match against Monaco and wasn’t great during England’s time in the Euros either. Putting in a big display against CSKA Moscow could shut that narrative down before it really begins.
There’s some question as to where Alli might start the match. It’s quite possible he’ll be paired with Victor Wanyama in Pochettino’s double-pivot. That’s no excuse for him not to be involved in the Spurs attack though.
Part of what makes Alli so special is his ability to make runs forward from deep in the midfield. He doesn’t need to start high up the pitch to be a real threat to the opposition. The challenge, is that the midfielder needs to remember his defensive responsibilities as well.
Alli needs to have a solid, box-to-box performance against CSKA Moscow. We aren’t asking him to do anything he isn’t infinitely capable of doing. He has the talent, he just needs to play well.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 21: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham in action vs Gillingham during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Gillingham at White Hart Lane on September 21, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images )
3. Christian Eriksen
Let’s face facts, the Danish attacker didn’t have one of his better matches against Monaco. He was so poor that Pochettino dropped him from the starting XI as a result.
The good news is that the change in the starting XI got the midfielder’s attention. He’s responded with two brilliant performances in the Premier League. He needs to continue that run of form against CSKA Moscow.
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His job will be made more difficult without his usual protection in the defensive midfield. That means he’ll have to place a higher premium on making sure he takes care of the ball. The challenge is he needs to balance that with his forays moving forward.
Eriksen can’t just wait for free kick opportunities to punish his opponent. He needs to push for a goal from the opening whistle. If he plays with passion, the rest will take care of itself.
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Calum Chambers of Middlesbrough (L) clears the ball while he is put under pressure from Vincent Janssen of Tottenham Hotspur (R) during the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur at the Riverside Stadium on September 24, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
2. Vincent Janssen
Tottenham got great news about Harry Kane’s injury yesterday, but that won’t help Spurs today. Janssen will get another chance to lead the Tottenham line today.
Like it or not, a lot of the pre-match chatter is going to centre around what Janssen can do on the big stage. Unlike a lot of pundits, I’m not overly concerned. I think it’s pretty obvious that Janssen knows what his role is for the club.
He’ll continue to be a big, physical presence against the physical Russian back line. The key to his success won’t be whether or not he scores goals, it will be how many goals the total Tottenham attack are able to score.
Just as important as his finishing, is his knack for creating opportunities for the club’s attacking midfield. He has to do that again today if Spurs are going to earn all three points. If he is able to provide a focal point for the club’s attackers to play off, he’ll have a successful outing.
MOSCOW, RUSSIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Heung-Min Son (C) of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the CSKA arena on September 26, 2016 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group E football match between CSKA Moscow and Tottenham in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Oleg Nikishin/Getty Images)
1. Son Heung-Min
Some might think it’s unfair to say Son has so much at stake after his form as of late. My issue isn’t that he hasn’t been playing extremely well. Instead, I just point out that doing it in on the road in the Champions League is a lot different from scoring against Sunderland or Middlesbrough.
I’m optimistic that the Korean will continue his scoring streak today. He has been the club’s most clinical finisher as of late, and his terrific movement should be a huge advantage over CSKA. Son shares in the responsibility of making up for Kane’s absence as well.
Unlike Janssen, Son will largely be judged on whether or not he finds the back of the net. That’s his main purpose out on the pitch. It’s possible he could find some joy with a cross from out wide, but that hasn’t been his calling card as of late.
If Son brings his energy and scoring boots to Russia, Spurs are going to have a terrific shot at coming home with three points. The Korean international might be the most likely Tottenham man to find the score sheet today.
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