Is this how Spurs can take the next step forward under Mauricio Pochettino?

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Spurs exceeded all expectations in the 2015/16 season. Regardless of the capitulation in the last few games, it was a campaign to remember for the Lilywhites, who also secured Champions League football for the first time in six years.

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However, the Premier League never stagnates, and with the addition of the likes of Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho, as well as a strengthened Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp, maintaining a place next season in European football’s elite trophy looks to be even more difficult. Despite this, there are numerous ways that Spurs have to consider if they are to become a constant presence in the top four, and become a powerhouse in European football.

The first and most important is to maximise the effect of their Champions League qualification this season. It is imperative that the offering of a seat at Europe’s top table is used to attract the best players that fit Pochettino’s system. For example, the likes of Alexandre Lacazette; who was once a player Spurs fans could only dream about having, now looks a possibility because the North London outfit can offer him a chance to play in the Champions League.

That is not to say that the transfer policy needs radical changing – if anything, quite the opposite – but the ability of the players that Spurs have to sign must increase if they are to experience success in European and domestic competitions next season.

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Combined with adding to the first XI, Spurs have to strengthen the depth of their squad. Whilst the first team have enjoyed an outstanding season, and can compete and defeat any team in the league on their day, Spurs dropped points because they lacked appropriate cover once one of the side’s mainstays dropped off or was suspended or injured for multiple games. This is clearly illustrated by the effects of the absence of Mousa Dembélé in the final games of the season, where both his physical presence and technical ability were sorely missed in the heart of the midfield.

For Spurs to progress next season, they must address this issue, either by additional signings, or promotion of promising youth players like Josh Onomah or Cameron Carter-Vickers, who require more first team appearances to improve.

Linked to this is the necessity of maintaining the current crop of stars, along with their manager. Pochettino’s long term contract is a testament to his achievements within the short span of time he’s been at the club, but the promising players such as Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Harry Kane and Danny Rose must all be kept at the club over the summer transfer window. They might be appealing purchases for other clubs, but Spurs have to signal their intent to become a dominant force by refusing to allow these players to leave. Achieve that, and the club will be making huge steps towards domestic success.

In addition, the team spirit – which has been lacking for so many years at Spurs – finally appears to be in place, personified between the ‘bromance’ between Eric Dier and Dele Alli, and keeping a core of players together is essential in maintaining this.

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Spurs clearly have to make the most of what they have right now, and not concern themselves with what other teams will have next year. Whilst it may take Guardiola and Conte time to adapt to the Premier League; and Mourinho time to develop his Manchester United squad, these aren’t guarantees, and it is the realistic; rather than the pessimistic, Spurs fan who doesn’t expect the team to be challenging for the title consistently over the next few years. However, once the new stadium is built, if the players and manager are still there, and if sound additions are made, who is to say that they will not become a dominant force in European football?

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Kody platter.