Tottenham Hotspur

How Tottenham Hotspur could line up with Dybala, Coutinho, but without Eriksen

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 07 August 2019

Sports Mole takes a look at how Tottenham Hotspur could line up this season if they sign Paulo Dybala and Philippe Coutinho but sell Christian Eriksen.

Tottenham Hotspur went into the summer having made just one first-team addition in three transfer windows, but Mauricio Pochettino could be about to oversee the most significant overhaul of his tenure in the next two days.

While just one senior face - Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele - has come through the door thus far, speculation persists that there could be at least two major signings and one high-profile departure.

Reports have indicated that Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho is the most likely arrival given that Pochettino has previously worked with the Brazil international during his time at Espanyol.

However, Spurs also maintain an interest in bringing in Paulo Dybala from Juventus, despite suggestions that signing the Argentine forward could be more complicated than first thought.

Spurs are also having to contend with the uncertainty surrounding Christian Eriksen's future now that the Dane has less than one year remaining on his contract.

Both Manchester United and Real Madrid have been linked, aware that Spurs will not want to risk losing the midfielder on a free transfer at the end of June.

Here, Sports Mole takes a look at how Spurs could line up if all three transfers materialise in the coming days and weeks.

TOTXI with Dybala, Coutinho, but not Eriksen.

Pochettino has shown in the past that he is willing to switch to a back three, but the lack of a suitable right wing-back means that a four-man defence would likely be the way to go with such attacking quality at his disposal.

With Harry Kane realistically guaranteed to start down the middle whenever he is fit, it would leave Pochettino having to use Dybala in one of three positions behind the club legend.

Given that there has been talk of Dybala being unhappy with being used in a wide position last year, it would appear unlikely that a switch to Spurs would occur if Pochettino does not agree to use him in a central position behind Kane.

While also taking into account that Ndombele is expected to partner Harry Winks in midfield, the only spot for Coutinho would seemingly be on the left-hand side, despite Son Heung-min's long-term success in that area of the pitch.

However, his versatility across the forward line, as well as his standing at the club, would almost certainly see Pochettino switch the South Korea international to the right flank.

That said, Pochettino would be left with a dilemma with regards to Dele Alli. Even without Eriksen in the team, the Englishman may become the odd one out if his manager chooses to accommodate two major signings.

An alternative would be to move Dybala to the right and reinstate Son on the left, although leaving Coutinho on the bench for a prolonged period of time would appear unlikely given his previous success in the Premier League with Liverpool.