Since joining the Premier League for the 1992-93 season, Tottenham Hotspur hasn’t had the type of success that one might hope for in top-flight football.
Spurs have enjoyed the Premier League for the better part of 38 consecutive seasons, since last dropping to England’s second division in 1977. In that time, the club has captured just five trophies, three FA Cup titles and two League Cups (now known as Capital One Cup).
With expectations rising over recent seasons with players like Gareth Bale, U.S. Men’s National Team attacker Clint Dempsey and Robbie Keane — all of whom have since departed Spurs — the club had still struggled to find its way. Over the past six seasons, Tottenham has finished top-six in the PL, a feat that can certainly be seen as encouraging but at the same time a bit disappointing as well.
Fast forward to 2016.
With six matches remaining in the current Premier League season, Tottenham sits seven points behind leaders Leicester City. While the gap may prove to be insurmountable behind a Foxes side that has defied all odds, nothing can be taken away from manager Mauricio Pochettino and Spurs.
You won’t find many teams with as much talent as this Tottenham squad, particularly ones with as much youth. While goalscorer Harry Kane — who just so happens to be 22 years old — gains most of the recognition, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Danny Rose are names that need not be forgotten.
This also includes Pochettino, a 44-year-old native of Argentina, who enjoyed a successful career with legendary Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys and La Liga side Espanyol. The manager has brought a free-flowing mentality that has trickled down to his players, and in turn, has made Tottenham one of the most exciting teams to watch in the PL.
While the North London side performs well in the attacking half, they replicate that same tenacity and discipline on the defensive end as well. Tottenham leads the PL in goals scored (57), as well as fewest goals allowed (25).
Goals are always going to be more attractive to spectators, but the team’s backline deserves a round of applause for their effort this season. Led by Belgian duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, Spurs’ defense is among the best in England, which speaks volumes when you consider the competition. Additionally, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose — both of whom came up in the ranks of the team’s academy — possess blazing pace at the two wing back positions, giving opposition nightmares.
While the side’s stinging Europa League defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund wasn’t ideal, Spurs have had one multi-goal loss all season. The team has also recorded domestic wins against Manchester City and West Ham.
Assuming Tottenham can keep its core of youth players together moving forward, this is a side you’d expect to be in the mix for the Premier League title for many years to come. While many clubs will be looking to retool and rebuild over the summer, Pochettino’s side can simply look to acquire a few role players to complete an already scary roster.