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Explained: Two players who could solve Tottenham’s centre-back crisis this season

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Tottenham failed to sign another central defender before the summer transfer window shut, leaving them with Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez ahead of the new season.

Juan Foyth is another option, but he’s currently sidelined with an ankle injury and may be used at right-back after Kieran Trippier’s move to Atletico Madrid. As a result, Mauricio Pochettino may need some cover at the back.

Fortunately, he does have two potential options – Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier. Wanyama didn’t get his move on transfer deadline day and has operated at centre-back for Spurs and former side Celtic.

As for Dier, Pochettino has already mulled the idea of using him in a central role this season. The England international has made 63 appearances for Tottenham at centre-back too.

It’s papering over the cracks, but Spurs have little other option until they bring in a new face. If Alderweireld, Vertonghen and Sanchez escape injury, there’s a chance Pochettino won’t even need an internal solution to fix the defensive crisis.

Time will tell, however.

Wanyama and Dier aren’t expected to be regulars in 2019/20, so it makes sense to change their role to suit the team. Whether it works is another matter.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.