Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has expressed concerns about Tottenham Hotspur’s squad depth under manager Ange Postecoglou, despite the club’s ambitious summer transfer activities.
According to Neville, while Tottenham has made significant improvements, particularly in their starting lineup, the overall squad depth may still be lacking, which could hinder their ability to compete at the highest level across multiple competitions this season.
Postecoglou’s Promising Start and Subsequent Challenges
Ange Postecoglou had an impressive debut season with Tottenham, transforming the team’s style of play and propelling them into the mix for the Premier League title early on. His tactical acumen and motivational leadership helped Spurs secure crucial wins and build momentum during the first half of the season. However, as the campaign progressed, the lack of depth in the squad became increasingly apparent, with injuries and fatigue taking their toll on key players.
By the end of the season, Tottenham’s title challenge had faded, and they ultimately finished fifth in the league, narrowly missing out on a coveted Champions League spot. The shortcomings in squad depth were cited as a primary reason for their inability to maintain their early-season form, and this issue has remained a focal point as the club prepared for the new season.
Tottenham’s Summer Signings: Quality Over Quantity?
Determined to build on the progress made under Postecoglou, Tottenham were active in the summer transfer window. The club managed to secure the services of several high-profile and promising players. Among the most notable additions were the extension of Timo Werner’s loan spell, the club-record signing of Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth, and the recruitment of young talents such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, and Wilson Odobert.
These signings have undoubtedly added quality to the squad, particularly in attack and midfield. Solanke, in particular, is expected to be a key figure in Tottenham’s forward line, providing a dynamic presence that complements the creative play of stars like James Maddison. Meanwhile, the addition of Werner offers versatility and experience in the attack, while the young recruits bring fresh energy and potential to the squad.
Despite these positive moves, Gary Neville remains unconvinced that Tottenham have done enough to address the depth issues that plagued them last season. In a post-match analysis of Tottenham’s 1-1 draw with newly-promoted Leicester City, Neville pointed to the lack of impactful options on the bench as a potential problem for the club moving forward.
“When the subs came on tonight, I think that could be a problem for Tottenham in terms of strength in depth. I think that they look quite vulnerable,” Neville commented via BBC. His remarks highlight a concern that while the starting XI may be strong, the players available to come off the bench might not be at the same level as those of Tottenham’s top-four rivals.
The Challenges of Competing on Multiple Fronts
One of the major tests for Tottenham this season will be their ability to balance domestic and European commitments. With the club set to participate in the UEFA Europa League, Postecoglou will need to rotate his squad effectively to manage the demands of midweek fixtures and maintain performance levels in the Premier League.
Neville’s concerns stem from the potential strain this could place on a squad that may not have the same depth as the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, or Chelsea. While Tottenham’s first-choice lineup is undoubtedly strong, the drop-off in quality when turning to the bench could be significant, particularly in key areas such as midfield and defense.
This issue was evident in the match against Leicester, where Tottenham struggled to maintain their intensity after making substitutions. The lack of a game-changing impact from the bench meant that Spurs were unable to push for a winning goal and had to settle for a draw. Over the course of a long and demanding season, such limitations could prove costly in the race for a top-four finish.
Comparing Tottenham’s Squad to Their Rivals
When assessing Tottenham’s squad depth relative to their top-four rivals, Neville’s concerns seem valid. Clubs like Manchester City and Liverpool boast deep squads with multiple options in every position, allowing them to maintain high standards even when rotating players. Chelsea, despite their recent struggles, have also invested heavily in their squad, giving them a range of tactical options.
Tottenham, on the other hand, may find themselves stretched thin, particularly if injuries or suspensions hit key players. While the likes of Solanke and Werner provide a strong starting point, the supporting cast may not be able to deliver the same level of performance consistently. This could leave Tottenham vulnerable in crucial moments, especially in tight matches where the difference between victory and defeat often comes down to the impact of substitutes.
The Road Ahead for Tottenham
As Tottenham prepare for the new season, Postecoglou will be well aware of the challenges he faces in managing his squad. The summer signings have undoubtedly bolstered the first team, but the concerns about depth will need to be addressed if Spurs are to compete on multiple fronts.
One potential solution could be to focus on developing the young talents brought in during the summer. Players like Gray, Bergvall, and Odobert may not be ready to play a starring role immediately, but with careful nurturing and game time, they could provide valuable depth as the season progresses. Additionally, further signings before the transfer window closes could help address specific areas of weakness.
For now, though, Neville’s assessment serves as a reminder that while Tottenham have made strides under Postecoglou, the road to sustained success is fraught with challenges. To secure a top-four finish and challenge for silverware, Spurs will need not only quality but also depth, resilience, and the ability to adapt to the rigors of a long season.
The upcoming campaign will test the squad to its limits, and how Tottenham navigate these challenges could define their season. The potential is there, but whether they have the depth to realize it remains an open question.
