Tottenham Hotspur ended their lengthy trophy drought last season.
After 17 years of not winning any silverware, Tottenham captured the Europa League last season, and they will be hoping to build on that again this year.
Spurs have certainly started well under Thomas Frank this season, winning three of their first four league games and getting off to the perfect start in the Champions League.
Tottenham’s new signings have been impressive too as Joao Palhinha has earned plaudits already.
Spurs look like they could be in the mix for major honours again this year, but, according to Alan Shearer, Tottenham’s chances this season lie solely with two players.
Alan Shearer says Tottenham’s success rests solely on two players
According to Shearer, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are the two players who will define Spurs’ season.
Indeed, speaking on The Rest is Football, Shearer claimed that if Tottenham are going to have a good season, they need to find a way to keep both Van de Ven and Romero fit.
“Not really, no. I mean, the two centre-halves had to work hard, Van de Ven and Romero again. And I do think if Spurs are going to have a good season, then it’s key those two stay fit, because they’re such an integral part to what they do,” Shearer said.
“I mean, both of them at times had to put in some, a couple of great challenges. Van de Ven was involved in a decision which could have gone slightly different, maybe a red card, but ultimately, I think it was the right decision in the end, later on in the game. But yeah, there wasn’t anyone really that stood out for Tottenham.”
Tottenham’s record when Van de Ven and Romero both play
Shearer says that Tottenham’s season depends on Van de Ven and Romero, and he may not be wrong.
Indeed, these two are two of Spurs’ best players, and they are the bedrock of that defence when it’s operating at its best.
Tottenham finished 17th last season, but their record over the past two years when Van de Ven and Romero are both on the pitch at the same time is excellent.
The numbers clearly show that Spurs are a better team when these two play, but, sadly steering clear of injury and suspension isn’t easy.
If Tottenham are to move the needle this season, they need Van de Ven and Romero to be consistently available for selection.