How Roberto De Zerbi's revamped Spurs midfield could shape up next season
It's fair to say Tottenham need reinforcements across the pitch following a dreadful campaign.
After having three managers, Spurs clung onto their Premier League place with a final-day victory over Everton, as West Ham dropped into the Championship instead. Before Roberto De Zerbi's appointment, it was Tottenham who appeared more vulnerable to relegation into the second tier, an unimaginable scenario for a club still regarded by some as part of English football's so-called 'big six'.
Following the trauma of the season, Spurs supporters won't be getting ahead of themselves. Nevertheless, a sense of optimism has emerged amid belief in De Zerbi and his approach. That enthusiasm would grow if the club could enjoy a productive summer.
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The midfield requires attention, with additional quality and greater depth needed to handle the demands of a gruelling season. A couple of holding midfielders would be welcome acquisitions.
Youngster Archie Gray matches the profile but remains a work in progress and requires the backing of a seasoned partner, either next to him or to deputise at times. De Zerbi had Alexis Mac Allister and Pascal Gross at Brighton and Adrien Rabiot at Marseille before he departed for AC Milan last season.
A potential swoop for World Cup winner Mac Allister shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. The Argentine has been linked with Real Madrid, though his father, who is also his agent, has firmly denied any contact.
Having cost Liverpool £35million, Mac Allister endured a frustrating campaign at Anfield and could be prised away for the right fee, with the Reds needing to shake things up following a woeful title defence. The anticipated arrival of Andy Robertson, his former Anfield colleague, could prove a helpful factor.
Highly-regarded Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, who has attracted attention from numerous Premier League sides, would represent an excellent acquisition. Manchester City's £50million man Nico Gonzalez also looks likely to become available, particularly if Elliot Anderson completes a move from Nottingham Forest.
Returning to another player De Zerbi has previously managed, Carlos Baleba could be on Spurs' radar following Manchester United's cooling interest in the Cameroonian. He would bring some much-needed steel and physicality to the engine room.
Provided De Zerbi maintains his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, two of Mac Allister, Gonzalez and Baleba could operate in support of number 10 James Maddison, who will be desperate to atone for his injury-marred campaign. Such a midfield combination would only serve to boost supporters' growing optimism.