One big comeback, two crucial changes – Tottenham’s strongest XI after international break
Ange Postecoglou will be thankful for the international break as his Tottenham side was struggling to pick up results, despite the majority of his squad returning to full fitness. Now, with the International break firmly out the way, we’ve put together Spurs’ strongest XI for the crucial end-of-season run-in.
Without a doubt, the international break couldn’t have come at a better time for Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham Hotspur. A chance to reset, recalibrate, and, most importantly, welcome back key players for the crucial run-in.
A team that seemed to have turned a corner in February, winning three of four matches, has since faltered, picking up just one victory in their last four.
Before the break, Spurs suffered a dismal 2-0 defeat to Fulham, marking their 15th loss of the Premier League season and piling further pressure on Postecoglou.
A top-four finish in the Premier League is long gone, but European football remains within reach. If Spurs are to lift the Europa League trophy and end their barren run, Postecoglou must have his best XI available.
Here’s the strongest Tottenham XI for Ange Postecoglou after the international break as the club enters a crunch part of the season with the Europa League on the line.
Tottenham’s strongest XI after the international break
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario
This one is straightforward. Vicario has been nothing short of impressive since his return from injury, and if anything, his absence only reinforced how crucial he is to this side. Spurs look a completely different team with him between the sticks.
Right-back – Pedro Porro
Options at right-back are thin. While Djed Spence is naturally a right-back, he looks more comfortable on the left. Porro, on the other hand, has stepped up defensively and remains a key part of Postecoglou’s system. He has played 41 games already this season and if he can add a few more goals and assists, he’ll be even more invaluable.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero
There’s been plenty of noise about Romero potentially leaving for Champions League football. But if Spurs want to get there, Romero has to be at the heart of it. He’s one of the best centre-backs in the world—no debate.
Of course, given that Spurs have had to play a huge chunk of their season without their main centre-back pairing, the return of Romero and van de Ven are the two crucial changes in Tottenham’s strongest XI.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven
Irreplaceable. That’s the only way to describe Van de Ven. Spurs look ten times better when he’s on the pitch, and his pace, technical ability, and defensive awareness make him one of the most important players in the squad. Keeping him fit is non-negotiable.
Left-back – Djed Spence
Spence’s rise this season has been impressive. The talent has always been there, but now he’s proving why he deserves to be in this team. Solid defensively, and a threat going forward—he has made that left-back spot his own, and Udogie will have a serious fight to reclaim it. Spence has also spoken about how he wants Spurs to start winning trophies, and one would expect that he would be given his all to reach that goal.
Pivot midfielder – Lucas Bergvall
Bergvall had an injury scare during the international break, but he’s back and fit to face Chelsea. With Bentancur and Bissouma struggling for consistency, Bergvall’s consistency makes him a key figure for Spurs. You know exactly what you’re getting with him, and that’s what this team needs right now.
Centre-midfielder – James Maddison
Baffling. That’s the only word for it when Maddison is left out. Yes, his off-the-ball work rate needs improvement, but his impact in the final third is undeniable. With 11 goals and seven assists this season, he’s a match-winner. Spurs need him, simple as that.
Centre-midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr
Bentancur and Bissouma? Too inconsistent. It’s frustrating how often Postecoglou persists with Bentancur when he doesn’t always put in the work. In this high-intensity system, that can’t fly. Sarr, however, brings the energy and defensive solidity needed in midfield. And he chips in with the odd goal, too.
Left-midfielder – Heung-min Son
Inconsistent? Yes. But he’s still Tottenham’s most productive attacker, with 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions—more than anyone else in the squad. Even when not at his best, Son remains Spurs’ biggest attacking threat.
Striker – Dominic Solanke
No debate here. Solanke makes Spurs a better team. Whether it’s linking play, pressing from the front, or holding up the ball, he does it all. If Tottenham were playing a cup final tomorrow, he’d be leading the line.
Right-midfielder – Dejan Kulusevski
Kulusevski has been Tottenham’s best player this season. Every team needs a workhorse like him. His versatility, work rate, and relentless energy make him invaluable.
No player in the Premier League runs more than Kulusevski, and that tells you everything. Odobert has impressed, but Kulusevski remains a vital piece of the puzzle. Of course, He is the one big comeback for Spurs, as Kulusevski is set to return from injury after the International break.
Indeed, while these eleven key players would be vital to Spurs’ success this season, Tottenham still have a solid core of squad players whose contributions would be equally as vital.
Richarlison, Danso, Bentancur, Gray, Bissouma, Mathys Tel, Ben Davies and Brennan Johnson, will all have to contribute as well, if Tottenham are to have a strong end of the season.
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