Having already covered off key players in the season review several weeks back I've decided to look ahead instead. So, this is me looking ahead, in a 'what I expect from our players in 2014' type of article, not too deep and not too heavy and because I can't be bothered copying and pasting the latest transfer nonsense and pretending I have an opinion on it.



Friedel

Third choice cover. His experience is undeniable but Brad can't be a first team player option, not if our whole system is geared around the high-line and the sweeper keeper. It can't work if we're playing Lloris and a defence that adapts to be completely comfortable with how the keeper sweeps up and attacks the ball. Only for that system to change when playing a keeper that stands back on his line. We need younger, more eager legs between the sticks if Hugo is rested/injured.



Although arguably the Europa League games might not be perceived as truly first team. We need a third option that will became our second choice. It's a potential headache if Lloris does get injured and we only have one keeper (regardless of his experience) to fall back on. Not a position spoken about in the run up to the transfer activity that will hopefully play out, but key for our longevity. Brad can still do a job but to not think of the long term would be naive.



Lloris

Keep on doing what you're doing Hugo, and boss it. I'm inclined to believe the key improvement is for the four that stand ahead of him. We have to retain a consistent back-line in terms of selection (granted there will be rotation and injury). A genuine world class player/signing. Can't argue that we haven't got it right at the back.



Kaboul

Out all season, the suggestion is he's prone to the odd injury. The concern is, he'll always struggle to retain his fitness. A reminder of the frustrations we experienced with King. Really hope he's 100% and fully charged for the new season. Would like to see him partner Verts at centre-back.

Vertonghen

Spent the season deputising on the left. Was at times erratic and as per the usual drill people like to focus on the negatives. Some do. I prefer to bask in the positives. Intelligent, progressive player with an eye for goal. Composed on the ball, a leader and a solid defender. What he needs in his second season is positional consistency. Centre-back, with a partner and the opportunity for the working relationship to blossom. Hopefully with Kaboul.



Naughton

Depending on what we do in the transfer market, Naughton might be retained as cover or be loaned out. If I'm honest, if we're going to continue to compete in the top tier, we're going to need better quality players in every position. Talking of full-backs, Danny Rose is touted as returning. Did well at Sunderland but is he also simply a covering option or a long term solution? The former is more likely.



Dawson

I cannot fault his character and determination. The bloke has astonishing spirit best displayed this season when he was almost on his way out of the club before pulling himself back into the fold. We need players that love the club and he epitomises that passionately. Daws is not as quick and composed as Kaboul and Vertonghen, but I'd gladly have him on the bench and for rotation. When he starts he's fully committed, loves the diagonal ball and we did rather well last season - not losing a fair few games he appeared in. But using the same principle as cited above, we're going to need better quality players in every position and with the risk Kaboul holds with injury plight, we could do with investment at centre-back. I'm not being dismissive of Dawson. Probably looks that way.



Walker

Much maligned. Sometimes he didn't really help himself. However there was no real competition for Walker at right-back and absolutely no respite. Overplayed, lacked confidence, was prone to costly mistakes. The upcoming season is important for him in that he has to shift past the learning curve of last season and prove he's actually learnt something. Tactically, in defence, his positioning at times was non-existent. His spacial awareness lacked direction. It's vital for the coach and for his team mates to support and equally so for him to have a player - competing - that can allow for more concentrated focus on his responsibilities. I'd love to know what he's told to do tactically by AVB, especially when pushing forward but more so when he has to stand his ground/track back. For all the colourful commentary on his form, he was still being selected time and time again.

Assou-Ekotto

Staying or going? Another maligned player that always seem to be an easy target for scapegoating. For a long period of time, didn't do much wrong. In fact considering the flak he initially got a few seasons back, he's been a key player for us. Not so much since his return from injury. Hard to know if AVB fancies him or not. I'm happy with BAE when he's on key. BAE is generally happy not matter what. If there was an option for him to move on, he'd probably have no issues with considering it. I'd mark down the left-hand position as one we need to consider covering. Having Verts slot in there is not the best of ideas.



Caulker

Cracking season at Swansea the season before last. The ground sort of swallowed him up a little when he returned to us. That's not to say he hasn't got talent but he's not at the required level. Yet. Has to be used in rotation. If he's good enough to break into the side he will. Again, it's about matching him up with the right player when he does start for us. Remember when Dawson lined up against King back 'in the day'? Daws was brilliant, oozing confidence. But then you would if you had Ledley owning it by the side of you. Of course, you could be smart about this and say that Caulker should be able to adapt no matter his centre-back pairing. I still believe stability and a helping hand is required.



Dempsey

Not the same player he was at Fulham. Far more involved and dynamic (dynamic in short bursts without the pace, but still hugely influential) at Craven Cottage. He was their main man. Whereas he was signed for us as...emergency cover? A midfielder that can half play in offensive positions. No doubting his knack for scoring important goals. But not quite the jigsaw piece for our midfield puzzle. Good squad player. Will have to do something special next season to retain a first team place.



Huddlestone

I don't think Tom will ever be more than a brilliant passer of the ball, technically astute with a sweet oh so sweet volley but somewhat at odds with the modern game. Against Man City, that type of performance, can have you doubting yourself. It can suggest that Huddlestone does work. City's lack of urgency to adapt to our substitutions and man mark the player led to him having the time and space and the resulting confidence to boss it. It's something he's done before. When the circumstances suit him, he can play. When they don't, he (along with the team) can struggle. If we really want to know how influential Tom can be, then he needs to play every week. For him to do that he needs to leave Spurs. Another club might be able to accommodate him by making him the focal point of their dynamic. That isn't going to happen at the Lane.



Lennon

Was pivotal for us early season. And when he wasn't he still was still sticking in a shift. The question is, can he do more? The answer will always be 'yes'. Lennon, running at defenders from wide or through the middle is one of the most devastatingly good things to watch about Tottenham. He has to do this more often. I sometimes think he works extremely hard (you can't argue with his tenacious defending and tracking back) but is sometimes too involved in the structured build up play rather than released at pulsating pace. When he does strike at the heart of defences or run wide, cutting in or first time crossing, you'll always left wondering - should we be seeing this far more often? We should be utilising him more and he should be far more confident.



We could do with a new winger. Might be too much to ask for, but a flanker that can play both sides (be it one stronger than the other which is usually the way) would be a Godsend. Competition, cover and alternating options means the team can offer a variety of dimensions than just the standard two. Lennon himself should not be underestimated. His work ethic is outstanding. He can still raise his game higher.



Parker

Will be surprised if he's still with us at seasons start. Excellent first season with us thanks to the discipline required to aid Luka Modric in midfield. Less so of the discipline last season with his responsibilities far more open meaning Parker had too much time on the ball as opposed to looking for the quick release. Injury, tired old legs, at best he can do a job if the job has a specific mission statement, but he was always going to be Sandro's backup last season and unfortunately replaced him altogether. Not that I'm being overly critical of Parker, it's just that, he can't quite keep up with the pace and his all-round abilities don't match up to some of the players around him.

