It's not uncommon for players to endure a tough first season in the Premier League, leaving them very much on the periphery of first team action by the end of the campaign. Heung Min Son was a prime example of this - he could have easily been sold in the 2016 summer clearout - but he stuck around and proved to be an invaluable asset last year.
We have several players in the same boat this season - while Wanyama was undoubtedly a fantastic signing, the likes of Nkoudou, Sissoko and Janssen failed to live up to expectations. Despite costing the best part of £60m between them, none of the new boys left much of an impression on Pochettino's squad. With their second season fast approaching and no immediate sign of the trio leaving, I analysed their chances of a successful second season (henceforth SSS) in Spurs colours.
Name: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou
Age: 22
Cost: £11m
GKN was the most sparsely used of our new signings, featuring in just 14 games across all competitions. Pochettino's hesiststion to trust the young winger was something of a mystery - he is something of a unique entity in our squad, possessing incredible pace and trickery that offers an entirely different threat going forward. I was most impressed by his substitute appearance in our loss at Stamford Bridge, where he committed tiring players with ease thanks to his range of runs and tight dribbling.
It goes without saying that this is a make or break season for Nkoudou. The fact he hasn't been loaned out is promising news for his Tottenham future - a similar pacey winger in Clinton N'Jie suffered that fate in his second season and was subsequently sold - but whether GKN will be afforded more game time this campaign is another question. There is undoubtedly potential there, and I suspect the Wembley pitch will really suit Nkoudou's style of play. I think this might be a big season for him.
SSS Chance: 7/10 - GKN's pace as a sub will make an impact this year.
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| Next season's dynamic duo? |
Name: Vincent Janssen
Age: 23
Cost: £17m
Unlike GKN, Big Vince was given plenty of chance to impress during Kane's absence but largely flattered to deceive. That may be mitigating events slightly, since Janssen managed just 2 Premier League goals from his 27 appearances. Even as a young player in a foreign country, that's a poor return from the man tipped to lead the Dutch national front line for years to come. To suggest this is a big season for Janssen is an understatement.
I believe his main issue is a lack of pace, no doubt inhibited in his first season by his size and subsequent lack of ability. But looking at him now, it's evident he's in better shape and working harder than ever. Janssen has a fantastic attitude and willingness to succeed - while he doesn't have Kane's class in front of goal, he more than matches our talisman in terms of sheer endeavour. I worry it won't be enough to cement his future at Spurs, but he'll be given every chance to turn his second season here into a far more successful one.
SSS Chance: 6/10 - Janssen will improve, but it might not be enough.
Name: Moussa Sissoko
Age: 27
Cost: £30m*
If Kane and Alli are fan favourites, Moussa Sissoko is the modern day boo boy. I'm often asked, 'What do you make of Sissoko?', followed by laughter if I reply with anything but 'he's shit'. The truth of the matter is, Sissoko just isn't particularly suited to Tottenham. It's as simple as that really. He's not a stylish footballer, he doesn't have the technique of those around him and he flatters to deceive (he's not an actual winger despite filling in on the right hand side several times last season). If he's not to be sold abroad as rumours suggest, just where does Sissoko fit in next season?
I'd love the Frenchman to succeed this season, but we must understand his limitations. He's not a technical player. What he is, however, is a potentially effective midfielder with the ability to drive on the counter attack and open up space with his powerful running. Sure, he won't score the goals Alli will, or set people up like Eriksen, but there's certainly a place in the squad for Sissoko if he can apply himself this year. His performance against Juventus was very impressive, and given the fact he has largely been written off by our entire fan base it was a nice surprise to see him have a comfortable game against tough opposition. I don't rate his chances of ever becoming a fan favourite, but he can definitely do a job if we keep him around. Let's not forget it's a World Cup year, and he'll want to repeat his fantastic performances for France that got him the big money move in the first place.
SSS Chance: 6/10 - As a flexible squad player, Sissoko can offer something this year.
*fee based on years playing for Spurs, unlikely to ever total £30m at this rate.
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| Next season's key men. You heard me. |
Bonus
Name: Harry Winks
Age: 21
Fee: N/A (academy player)
This will be Winks' second season as a Premier League player - hence the inclusion in this analysis - and I can't wait for him to impress everyone. Whenever I talk about how much I rate the young midfielder, I'm often met with the counter-argument of 'he's just the next Carroll or Mason'. I have to disagree with this assessment. Dubbed 'Little Iniesta' by his manager, Winks possesses all the safe passing of the aforementioned midfielders, but with one key difference; he can glide past a player with ease. I know it's extremely high praise, but when Winks is in full flight, he's Modricesque. With a hectic calendar on the horizon and our growing injury list, Winks will get his chance yet again. Watch this space.
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| A goal in preseason - just the beginning. |
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