Opinion: Tottenham’s three unsung heroes despite new big-name signings

It’s an exciting time to be a Spurs fan right now, with the club finally making big moves in the transfer window. However, it’s worth remembering we are adding quality to an already strong squad which contains plenty of unsung heroes.

The arrivals of Ivan Perišić, Yves Bissouma, and Richarlison have got Tottenham tongues wagging, and there should be more additions to Antonio Conte’s roster before the window closes in August.

A key area set for new recruits is the centre of defence, but let’s not forget one of our own who just had the best season of his career. Spurs need more depth at centre-back, but Eric Dier is the linchpin of that defence.

Since pivoting from a holding midfield role, Dier has often struggled for consistency and was previously prone to making costly mistakes in the past. Last season though, he excelled under Antonio Conte.

Dier played with confidence, composure, and became a true leader within the back line. He missed just three league games last season, and kept 16 clean sheets as Spurs became a formidable defensive unit (Transfermarkt). 

The fact Dier didn’t make his way back into the England set-up is a source of mystery for many Tottenham fans, but he doesn’t dwell on it. Instead, Dier is more concerned with looking to the future.

“It’s been a real education for me and one I’ve really liked,” Dier told TottenhamHotspur.com recently. “I think there’s so much for [Conte] still to teach me as well.”

Ultimately, with Clément Lenglet looking increasingly likely to join Spurs on loan (The Athletic), and the potential of signing another central defender too, Eric Dier should continue to be the foundation Conte builds his defence around.

Elsewhere, the signing of Ivan Perišić kicked off the summer in style. The veteran wing-back instantly improves the quality of the squad, but his input as a mentor for Ryan Sessegnon could prove to be his most valuable contribution. 

After returning from injury last season, Sessegnon forced his way into the starting eleven, ousting Sergio Reguilón in the process. On paper, the Spaniard appears to be the better player, but Sessegnon shined as he quickly got to grips with Conte’s demanding tactics.

With the club open to selling Reguilón (Football.London), it may be down to Perišić and Sessegnon to rotate for the left wing-back role. Hopefully, the Croatian’s vast experience can not only propel Spurs to success, but help Sessegnon develop as his understudy.

Antonio Conte is a proven master at moulding great wing-backs, and Sessegnon already showed great signs of improvement in such a short period last season. If things go to plan, the Italian should be able to help Sessegnon finally fulfil his potential.

Yves Bissouma could well prove to be the signing of the season. If he can replicate the kind of dynamism and dominance he exhibited at the heart of Brighton’s midfield, that initial £25 million price tag (Sky Sports) will prove to be an absolute bargain. 

Bissouma joins a midfield which is already full of talent though. Rodrigo Bentancur has made a fantastic impression since arriving from Juventus in January, adding a touch of class to complement the combative nature of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg.

The Viking, rather surprisingly, divides the Spurs fanbase and indeed the wider footballing world. While many, Antonio Conte included, appreciate his incredible attitude, work ethic, and warrior mentality, there were rumours that he could exit the club (Mirror). 

Yes, Bissouma is a top-quality addition to the Spurs lineup, but that doesn’t mean Højbjerg could or should be displaced. Instead, the fact that these players are competing for places is a testament to the club’s need for a first 22 in order to compete on all fronts.

Actually, Højbjerg may be the most valuable of unsung heroes in the Tottenham squad. The Denmark international missed just two league games last season (Transfermarkt), and such is his commitment that he even played while injured at times (Alasdair Gold).

But it’s his stats (Football Reference) that truly showcase what he brings to the team. Not only did Højbjerg win more tackles (49) than any Spurs player last term, but he also contributed the most pressures (669), blocks (73), and interceptions (70). 

What’s surprising is his attacking output. Højbjerg made the most progressive passes (203) in the squad last season, as well as ranking third for passes into the penalty area (35), shot-creating actions (81), and successful dribbles (40) (Football Reference).

So, while the influx of new faces at Tottenham has understandably left fans looking ahead to what promises to be a fascinating season, it’s important to remember the unsung heroes we already have, too. 

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