January 2025 Scouting Thread

[djhotspur]

Just out of curiosity, what positions do most think we still need to upgrade/invest in to get us to point where we are looking to seriously compete? Obviously taking into account Yang joining and players with contracts running low (Son, Davies, Forster, Regi and Werner all expiring next summer and Bentancur, Biss both expiring in 26). Would you renew any of those or move them all on?

Is the general consensus a LCB/LB, WF, DM and maybe another 10 would work or do you think more/less? Would you be happy to look at youth for any of those positions or would you hope/expect more established players in all of those roles? Obviously there is also the point of squad spaces so we would need to balance whoever comes in with exits.

I think a 10, and a young LB could be ok but at lcb they need to be ready to go experienced. The 6 has to be experienced top drawer and the winger too.

 

[GutBucket]

Just out of curiosity, what positions do most think we still need to upgrade/invest in to get us to point where we are looking to seriously compete? Obviously taking into account Yang joining and players with contracts running low (Son, Davies, Forster, Regi and Werner all expiring next summer and Bentancur, Biss both expiring in 26). Would you renew any of those or move them all on?

Is the general consensus a LCB/LB, WF, DM and maybe another 10 would work or do you think more/less? Would you be happy to look at youth for any of those positions or would you hope/expect more established players in all of those roles? Obviously there is also the point of squad spaces so we would need to balance whoever comes in with exits.

Exactly, we also need a backup GK but that isn't so exciting. Looks like Ange doesn't want another CB so he can have room for Vuskovic next season.

 

[Trix]

Just out of curiosity, what positions do most think we still need to upgrade/invest in to get us to point where we are looking to seriously compete? Obviously taking into account Yang joining and players with contracts running low (Son, Davies, Forster, Regi and Werner all expiring next summer and Bentancur, Biss both expiring in 26). Would you renew any of those or move them all on?

Is the general consensus a LCB/LB, WF, DM and maybe another 10 would work or do you think more/less? Would you be happy to look at youth for any of those positions or would you hope/expect more established players in all of those roles? Obviously there is also the point of squad spaces so we would need to balance whoever comes in with exits.

A top quality DM above everything else, spend the entire budget on it if we have to. You can say what you like about our forward options, but our problem isn't creating chances. Then it would be competition for LB. I wouldn't even be looking at the WF options until a top class DM is in.

 

[Guntz]

A top quality DM above everything else, spend the entire budget on it if we have to. You can say what you like about our forward options, but our problem isn't creating chances. Then it would be competition for LB. I wouldn't even be looking at the WF options until a top class DM is in.

The trouble is most teams are looking for a player like that and I don't necessarily think there's one out there atm.

Plus we won't pay the big bucks either.

We're going to have to hope our scouting team unearths a gem.

 

[tubbygold]

A top quality DM above everything else, spend the entire budget on it if we have to. You can say what you like about our forward options, but our problem isn't creating chances. Then it would be competition for LB. I wouldn't even be looking at the WF options until a top class DM is in.

If Bentancur and Bissouma are both seen only as DMs, who would you get rid of? Bissouma for me.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

A top quality DM above everything else, spend the entire budget on it if we have to. You can say what you like about our forward options, but our problem isn't creating chances. Then it would be competition for LB. I wouldn't even be looking at the WF options until a top class DM is in.

I can certainly see the logic. Wont be an easy task mind if we aren't willing to spend the money. Personally I would be willing to pay the same as a striker for a top tier DM like Varela but i struggle to see us putting that much into the position. Would you move on Biss and/or Bentancur then to accommodate?

 

[Ghost Hardware]

Exactly, we also need a backup GK but that isn't so exciting. Looks like Ange doesn't want another CB so he can have room for Vuskovic next season.

I forgot about about back up GK. Agree, we def need one.

 

[Tottenhamboy85]

DM plus top Winger
Then LB & AM option

 

[felmani26]

Top quality WF above all else.

Gray will eventually take that 6 role but Bentancur has largely been excellent this season holding and going on the basis of how we will continue to play then it’s arguable that we’d have picked up more points if we weren’t so profligate up top.

I’d also say an alternative if not someone who will usurp Maddison as I just don’t think he’ll ever be consistent enough for a side with aspirations.

 

[Trix]

I can certainly see the logic. Wont be an easy task mind if we aren't willing to spend the money. Personally I would be willing to pay the same as a striker for a top tier DM like Varela but i struggle to see us putting that much into the position. Would you move on Biss and/or Bentancur then to accommodate?

I'd move on Biss yes. Bentancur has the flexibility to play further forward, although if Ange only see's him as a DM then yeah I'd move him on as well. I think he's a good player but not the full set of attributes to be a dedicated DM.

 

[Tucker]

Just out of curiosity, what positions do most think we still need to upgrade/invest in to get us to point where we are looking to seriously compete? Obviously taking into account Yang joining and players with contracts running low (Son, Davies, Forster, Regi and Werner all expiring next summer and Bentancur, Biss both expiring in 26). Would you renew any of those or move them all on?

Is the general consensus a LCB/LB, WF, DM and maybe another 10 would work or do you think more/less? Would you be happy to look at youth for any of those positions or would you hope/expect more established players in all of those roles? Obviously there is also the point of squad spaces so we would need to balance whoever comes in with exits.

I think those are the clear areas that need reinforcement, but it’ll also mean moving people on. Do we need Bissouma, Bentancur, Gray and another DM? So one of them needs to move on, likely not Archie, obvs.

Another LB/hybrid LCB could come in with Davies leaving at the end of his contract too.

 

[felmani26]

Looking at it another way, the next slew of Outs (this summer) will be;
- Forster
- Davies
- Reguilon
- Werner

With then question marks over
- Richarlison
- Romero
- Spence
- Sarr

 

[Yiddo100]

Looking at it another way, the next slew of Outs (this summer) will be;
- Forster
- Davies
- Reguilon
- Werner

With then question marks over
- Richarlison
- Romero
- Spence
- Sarr

We’d be mad to move on Sarr

 

[Tottenhamboy85]

We’d be mad to move on Sarr

Hmmm im not so sure. He’s has very limited technical ability.

Only so far will being a good runner get you.
I’d be looking for him to improve significantly over the next 12 months then the decision needs to be made

 

[GioW]

Looking at it another way, the next slew of Outs (this summer) will be;
- Forster
- Davies
- Reguilon
- Werner

With then question marks over
- Richarlison
- Romero
- Spence
- Sarr

One of Bissouma or Bentancur will move on next summer imo

 

[Yiddo100]

Hmmm im not so sure. He’s has very limited technical ability.

Only so far will being a good runner get you.
I’d be looking for him to improve significantly over the next 12 months then the decision needs to be made

He’s only 22, he was fantastic last year, he’s not having the best of spells right now but form goes up and down when you’re young.

Next summer (2026) if he’s still not at the level then you assess but getting him out the door now would be madness.

 

[VoteMe4Prez]

Looking at it another way, the next slew of Outs (this summer) will be;
- Forster
- Davies
- Reguilon
- Werner

With then question marks over
- Richarlison
- Romero
- Spence
- Sarr

No way Sarr. I don't really want us to look at Romero either but something is wrong with him so far this season. Plus I'm liking Spence so far

 

[felmani26]

We’d be mad to move on Sarr

No way Sarr. I don't really want us to look at Romero either but something is wrong with him so far this season. Plus I'm liking Spence so far

Should perhaps qualify the “questionable” status as players whereby it wouldn’t surprise me if they departed and not necessarily advocating them to leave.

Romero clearly contingent if Madrid come in and whilst I equally would have reservations over Sarr leaving, there is a reason why Ange coveted Gallagher.

 

[GetSpurredOn]

What’s the feeling (from those that actually watch other leagues) on Cardoso to potentially replace Bissouma?
I think DM, LB are the key ones, possibly someone for RWF.
Replacing Forster, and maybe a Richarlison upgrade if he doesn’t prove his form and fitness, and Veliz/Lankshear aren’t ready yet.

 

[Ghost Hardware]

What’s the feeling (from those that actually watch other leagues) on Cardoso to potentially replace Bissouma?
I think DM, LB are the key ones, possibly someone for RWF.
Replacing Forster, and maybe a Richarlison upgrade if he doesn’t prove his form and fitness, and Veliz/Lankshear aren’t ready yet.

Johnny is back from injury and back in the starting line up which is encouraging. He played the full 90 of the 1-0 Sevilla derby loss this weekend. It wasn’t a particularly good showing from him tho and it was the second game I’ve watched of him this season in which he has been caught out by a player running at him. Lo Celso was by far Betis’s best midfielder.. again. At this stage no, I don’t think he is of the required level. But he does have a lot of potential and I think if he can hold down a starting spot for the season that could do a lot for his development. Essentially at this stage i wouldn’t get too focused on him as a target for us but one that we should, and obviously will, keep an eye on.