This season has been a difficult one for Spurs and in particular, the defence.
As the season has come to a close, we have taken a look at the Spurs defenders and how they have performed this year and summed up each player’s season with a rating.
Hugo Lloris – 8
At times sloppy, but that’s to be expected of a keeper who is deployed as a sweeper in the modern game. Without his incredible reactions, Spurs would almost definitely be further down the table than they finished.
Joe Hart – 6
Did his job as a professional in the dressing room and came in for the Europa League games and was solid for the most part, but with a couple of silly mistakes here and there.
Serge Aurier – 6
An average season by Aurier’s standards since he moved from PSG to North London, but one that could have been a lot better if he just cut out the stupid errors and remained a professional. After storming out at half-time after being substituted against Liverpool, many believe that was the last straw and a transfer away from the club is on the cards.
Matt Doherty – 5.5
Tottenham have offered a contract to Antonio Conte, in the region of £15-20m a year. The club's offer is the most attractive for Conte, whom is close to leaving Inter. [La Stampa] pic.twitter.com/6MJasIGnAB
— The Spurs Web (@thespursweb) May 26, 2021
Not the debut season the former Wolves star would have been hoping for, as he failed to hold down a place in the squad and dropped further down the pecking order at the end of the season in place of Japhet Tanganga. If Antonio Conte becomes the next manager, he may become an important player next season when deployed in his and Conte’ preferred system of a three-man defence with wing-backs.
Japhet Tanganga – 6.5
After having a break-through year last season, many expected Tanganga to be given a more important role in the squad this year, but injuries and fitness held the youngster back and opportunities were tough to come by. Next season will be a critical one in his development.
Eric Dier – 6
Started the season off very well and earned the trust of Jose Mourinho as someone who can be relied upon in three matches in one week. Slowly over the course of the season began to make more and more mistakes and became a villain figure among many Spurs supporters again.
Toby Alderweireld – 5.5
A tough season comes to an end and I want to thank you all for your incredible support, wherever you followed us from.
Proud to reach the milestone of 200 @premierleague games. A big thank you to everyone that has helped me to achieve this! On to more. pic.twitter.com/Y1t7VRwNIh
— Toby Alderweireld (@AlderweireldTob) May 24, 2021
This rating is slightly harsh and while he has not been the worst defender this season or worse than Dier, his performances did not reflect his overall ability at all and maybe his age is just beginning to cause his ability to decline. Next season could be his last in his prime, and he needs a massive bounce-back under the new manager.
Joe Rodon – 7
A solid debut season for the former Championship player who demonstrated not only his ability but proved that he was able to make the step-up to the Premier League. Some big moments this season for not only Spurs but for his country too and next season he may find himself as one of the first names on the team sheet if he continues to impress in such a disorganised defence.
Davinson Sanchez – 5
Very common for young, potentially world class CBs to show some inconsistency in their early 20s. See the careers of Piqué,Ramos,Thiago Silva,Jerome Boateng,Alderweireld for proof
Don't lose your sh*t over Davinson Sanchez and Andreas Christensen making errors. It's gonna happen
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) March 11, 2018
All the makings of not only a world-class defender, but a generational one – unfortunately though, lapses in concentration and what appears from the outside to be a lack of self-belief are holding him back. Prone to mistakes and misjudging situations, but the staff still believe in him and should he put together a run of solid games, he might be able to put his Spurs career not just back on track, but on an upwards trajectory to becoming one of the best in the league.
Sergio Reguilon – 7
Dropped from the Spain squad for the Euros but that is most likely down to his end of season form, which has not reflected his overall season. Settled in very well and is a very passionate character, who next season will only get better. Shades of Sissoko when he gets one-on-one with the keeper, but five assists this season in the league proves he is still a valuable asset going forward.
Ben Davies – 6
One of his better seasons in a Spurs shirt, but has been limited to just 28 starts in all competitions because of injury and Reguilon’s presence in the squad. Been solid when relied upon but just doesn’t carry the same offensive threat his Spanish teammate does.
Danny Rose – N/A
Not included in the Premier League squad by Jose Mourinho. Perhaps unfairly treated.