Three Spurs stars at risk under Conte
James Shearman
- Updated: 3 Nov 2021 19:04 GMT
- 3 min read
Antonio Conte's arrival at Tottenham Hotspur calls a number of players' futures into question.
While the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son are almost certain to thrive under the Italian boss, it won't be as plain sailing for others in the squad.
Conte asks an awful lot of his players, in training and in matches, and isn't afraid to fall out with anyone not meeting his lofty expectations.
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Expect to see certain individuals cast aside for exactly that.
Moreover, some players simply won't have a place in Conte's tactical plans.
The 52-year-old is known to favour a three-at-the-back formation, either a 3-4-3 or a 3-5-2, with specific instructions for each role that not everyone in the Spurs squad will be able to fulfill.
Add to that, a transfer warchest has reportedly been assured by chairman Daniel Levy, meaning a higher calibre of player can be expected to walk through the door, with current players likely to be shipped out.
Which Spurs players are at risk?
Ndombele has been heavily criticised for his attitude since signing for a club record £55 million fee in 2019.
The Frenchman's talent is obvious, but his lack of consistency is infuriating for Spurs fans, and soon Conte should it continue.
''If someone doesn't have the good attitude during a training session or good behaviour in different circumstances, I prefer to kill him,'' Conte told Sky Sports in his time at Chelsea.
So, the 24-year-old will have to work increasingly hard to prove to his new boss that previous suggestions of a poor attitude were, in fact, false.
Another with seemingly low levels of professionalism is Dele Alli.
The 25-year-old made one of the most promising starts to a career in recent memory, scoring 28 goals in his first two Premier League campaigns.
🗣 "I prefer to kill him"
A look back at 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 Antonio Conte interview with Thierry Henry 😂
Would you be happy with the Italian coming in, Spurs fans? 🤝— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 1, 2021
However, once dubbed the next Frank Lampard, it may be a last chance saloon for the former England international if he fails to rediscover his old form.
Former manager Jose Mourinho famously called Dele 'lazy' in Amazon's 'All or Nothing: Tottenham' documentary.
Besides a debut goal against Manchester City, Bergwijn has been unable to repay Spurs for the £25m gamble they took on him in January last year.
The Dutch winger has a measly four goals in 59 appearances in all competitions, and will struggle to find his way into either of Conte's preferred formations.
Kane, Son, Lucas Moura and potentially Bryan Gil are all ahead of the 24-year-old in the current pecking order.
There is a possibility that he could occupy a wing-back role but Emerson Royal and Matt Doherty should provide enough cover.
