White Hart Lane talents the club’s new Argentine boss can not afford to lose.
Tottenham found out the hard way last summer that selling prized assets will invariably have a negative impact on a side’s ability to hit targets, Liverpool be warned, and as such incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino needs to make sure he keeps hold of his best talents regardless of what sums are offered.
Read more Tottenham FC transfer news.
There is no doubt that Pochettino’s Spurs squad has a fair few bits of deadwood but the Argentine can also call upon players of genuine quality who may well be considering their options following the north London side’s inability to secure a top four finish.
Here are five such players.
Hugo Lloris
French keeper, and national team captain, was often the last line of defence for Tottenham last term and is arguably one of the best in the business. Pochettino must resist any offers for the former Lyon man as it’s very tough to get hold of a custodian of such quality and Lloris is still a relative ‘baby’ in goalkeeping terms at the age of 27.
Jan Vertonghen
At times the Belgian struggled last term, even looking disinterested at some points, but the adaptable defender is still a player of real quality and one Pochettino should look to build his back-line around. It’s important the former Ajax man sits in his preferred centre-back spot so a new left-back signing may be in order.
Emmanuel Adebayor
Very much a confidence player, the Togo international proved in a few short months under Tim Sherwood that when a manager shows faith in his services he is not found wanting. Scored 11 goals in 20 Premier League starts and finished as the club’s top scorer despite his first start coming in late December.
Christian Eriksen
One of the few successful summer signings made by Andre Villas-Boas and a player with frightening potential the Danish international is a key player for Pochettino. Scored goals and provided assists with regularity despite the club’s obvious failings in 2013/14.
Paulinho
Brazilian is said to be a player Chelsea are courting but Mauricio Pochettino must resist the amorous glances from their London rivals and need to keep hold of the cultured midfielder. Even though his debut season at White Hart Lane wasn’t spectacular the former Corinthians man did still show glimpses of his very obvious quality, must not be sold.
SEE ALSO: The Fastest Players on Fifa 14