Done Deal: Tottenham Has Signed Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong After………….read more.

Done Deal: Tottenham Has Signed Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong After………….read more.

Welcome to the final installment of our mini-series reflecting on Tottenham Hotspur’s thrilling preseason campaign. In the previous parts, we examined the standout performers and those who failed to seize their opportunities. Now, we turn our attention to some players who present intriguing dilemmas for the team. These are the players with significant question marks surrounding them. As the new Premier League season approaches, some answers may emerge quickly, while others may remain unresolved mysteries.

These players might have shown promise under unusual circumstances or struggled in ways that suggest deeper issues. Let’s delve into the Tottenham players who pose the biggest puzzles for Ange Postecoglou as he prepares for the 2024/25 Premier League season.Maddison’s placement in this category was a tough decision—he could have easily been discussed alongside Pape Matar Sarr in the earlier piece. However, Maddison’s situation is unique because we’ve seen how impactful a fully fit and confident James Maddison can be. He was crucial to Spurs’ strong start last season, and if he can regain that form, the team will be formidable.

The big question is whether Maddison can reach that level again. His form dipped after returning from a midseason injury, which might be attributed to lingering effects, but his underwhelming preseason—despite a full offseason without international commitments—raises concerns. Was he holding back for the start of the season? Ange Postecoglou likely wouldn’t stand for that. Perhaps Maddison is anxious about his fitness?

Whatever the case, Spurs need him in top form, and that needs to begin against Leicester.Djed Spence endured a tough season last year, with rumors of a poor attitude leading to a loan spell in Serie A. However, he appears to have addressed these issues head-on this preseason, meeting with Postecoglou to reaffirm his commitment to Tottenham. The lingering question is whether he’s good enough.

Spence has seemingly impressed enough to be reconsidered in Postecoglou’s plans. His strong performances against weaker opponents showcased his physical attributes, but his struggles against tougher competition exposed his weaknesses, including poor touch and defensive awareness.

Were these struggles due to being played out of position, or could they resurface if he’s deployed on the right? One thing is certain: he faces stiff competition as Pedro Porro’s backup, especially with Archie Gray in the mix.Archie Gray, a highly promising youngster, was arguably the standout player in Tottenham’s early preseason fixtures, excelling at center back. However, when moved to midfield, he struggled to find space and often lost possession under pressure. His difficulties were evident not only against Bayern Munich but also against lesser teams like the K-League All Stars.

Interestingly, Gray shone when he was switched to right back in the second half against Bayern, raising questions about his future development and where he will get playing time this season. Spurs invested heavily in him with the expectation that he would eventually fill the #6 role, but is he ready? With Pedro Porro and Djed Spence likely ahead of him in the right-back pecking order, Gray may find it challenging to secure minutes. His talent is undeniable, but the Premier League is a significant step up.

**Dejan Kulusevski**