It's no coincidence that the two top sides in the division play a 3-4-3 formation - it's a growing trend that, when executed properly, can deliver devastating results. Pochettino experimented with this last year, most notably at Watford, but more often than not opted for a back four with Dier and Dembele sitting in front. Though it was a successful system for us - and it will certainly be used in the future from time to time - the newfound dynamism courtesy of Walker/Rose having more creative license has destroyed teams. Walker already has five PL assists this campaign, beating his previous best achieved some five years ago. On the opposite flank, Danny Rose almost defies description. Any manner of superlative would be an understatement, to be honest. The guy went from the worst left back in the league to comfortably the best full back in England. Tenacious, dynamic and energetic, Rose's defensive solidity and aggression in a challenge is bettered only by his dangerous crossing and ability to blaze past a man. Pochettino should get the keys to the city for what he has done for Rose.
It's the full backs that rightly receive many of the plaudits for our upturn in form; they're certainly integral to the system, and while Trippier and Davies are capable understudies, it's a completely different side without Walker and Rose on the flanks. But the heart of the midfield has undergone a further transformation this year thanks to the arrival of Victor Wanyama. Many, myself included, saw the Kenyan as Eric Dier's understudy - a player to come in when we had injuries or suspensions - but Big Vic has made sure he's one of the first names on the teamsheets thanks to some fantastic displays. As always under Pochettino, we would be hard pressed to name just one player as the stand-out performer, but Wanyama is certainly a candidate for our player of the season award, if not for the fact that nobody expected him to be this good. It should have been expected, though - Pochettino makes players better. It's what he does as a coach. Getting the best out of Wanyama and Dembele in the centre of midfield is the precise reason why our wing backs have so much freedom; the central midfield pairing cover every blade of grass, rob possession from the opposition with ease and move the ball on quickly and effectively. It's absolutely fantastic to watch.
This isn't to do Jan Vertonghen a disservice - he has had a brilliant season - but Toby Alderweireld is the key that could win us the title. The stylish Belgian has been part of the best defence five times in seven seasons since making his debut - with the other two seasons coming second by a single goal conceded. Coincidence? Hardly. Toby's air of calm and uncanny ability to read the game defensively makes it look as if Ledley King is back at the heart of the defence. There is no greater compliment than that. Carter-Vickers can ably fill in for Dier if required, likewise Wimmer for Vertonghen, but there truly is no replacing Alderweireld when he is out. Indispensable.
Hugo Lloris is the best keeper in the league and deserves a Premier League title. It's genuinely that simple. Not a lot more can be said. If Lloris played for United they'd have a statue built outside the stadium for him. A truly world-class talent - we're lucky he feels so at home at Tottenham, because he could walk into almost any side in the world.
Without Erik Lamela in attack, it's a slightly different prospect. More emphasis is put on the wide players, something we sorely missed last season when Rose and Walker were pinned back by the opposition. Since the left and right centre backs split and push higher up the field, less emphasis is on the defensive side of the wing back position, which simultaneously frees up room for Alli and Eriksen to drift between the lines. They complement each other's games perfectly, too. Alli has the swagger of a world beater already and has all the natural talent to become one of the game's best midfielders. To score twenty Premier League goals already after only just joining from two divisions lower is obscene, there's no other word for it. Alli is an obscene talent. Compare his goalscoring record to that of Lampard and Gerrard, two of the previous generation's finest midfield players, and you'll realise just how special Alli is. I just don't think you understand.
Despite drawing a lot of criticism during the first half of the season, Christian Eriksen has finally found his feet and flourished in this new system. And that's the key, in all honesty. Our formation can be labelled 3-4-3 for convenience's sake, but apart from the three centre halves, who knows who is playing where at times. Rose drifts inside and found himself on the right wing against West Brom. Eriksen often picks the ball up from the defence despite being classed as an attacker in the 3-4-3. That's precisely why the system works so well, though; the fluidity Pochettino allows is no mistake, and comes from two years of intense training and playing together week in, week out. Who marks Eriksen? Does a defender push up and close him, allowing Kane and Alli more room in the area? Or does a midfielder drop off, allowing the likes of Dembele and Wanyama to further dominate possession? It's a clever system, illustrated beautifully in our win against Chelsea. Eriksen only frustrates because we know just how good the diminutive Dane can be, and if he keeps up his recent form, he'll rightfully receive all the plaudits for unlocking defences with consummate ease.
There's just one man left to discuss - the headline maker himself, Harry Kane.
Harry Kane is world class. Do not let any blinkered rival fan or England-loving, 'corner-taking' quoting fool tell you otherwise. Every aspect of Kane's game is so perfectly refined you would think we signed a thirty goal a season striker from abroad, capable of using his wealth of experience to dominate games and lead from the front. But Kane is just twenty-three, and completing his third full season in English football. Keeping in mind the first two delivered over twenty league goals and a golden boot, it's safe to say Harry will be the man to lead the line for as long as he wants to stay here. Simply an exceptional talent, and an integral part of our title-challenging side.
Make no mistake, this is the most exciting time to be a Spurs fan in living memory for most of us. We have arguably the greatest coach in the league, leading a young, ambitious squad of like-minded players further up the table. The sky is the limit for this Tottenham side. As Eric Dier said, it's paramount to win a trophy while everyone is at the club, compounding the feel-good factor with actual success. We're outsiders to win the league again, but who knows - last year will have taught us a lot. I think we're up for the challenge.
To dare is to do.
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