Playing for 90
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5 players Tottenham must upgrade to compete in the Champions League

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after defeat in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after defeat in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, second leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund at White Hart Lane on March 17, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Gilham/Getty Images) /
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(L-R) Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, Tom Carroll of Tottenham Hotspur FC, Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur FC during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur on March 10, 2016 at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(L-R) Marco Reus of Borussia Dortmund, Tom Carroll of Tottenham Hotspur FC, Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur FC during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur on March 10, 2016 at the Signal Iduna Park stadium in Dortmund, Germany.(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

3. Tom Carroll

I’m sure Tom Carroll is a great guy who loves playing for Tottenham very much. I’m also a great guy who would love to play for Tottenham. These characteristics don’t qualify either of us to line up against the likes of Aubameyang and Reus in meaningful competition.

Unlike Mason and Davies, I think Carroll would be best served to move along this summer. He’s already 23-years-old and his body still looks like he’s 14. That’s not likely to change anytime soon. His lack of size and athleticism really limit his ability to be an effective Premier League midfielder.

That was painfully obvious in the match at Dortmund. He and Mason played the double-pivot more like a turnstile than any real obstacle for the German juggernauts. Carroll almost looked like someone’s son had wandered out onto the pitch with a Spurs kit on.

If he does stay, Carroll should be relegated strictly to low-level Cup matches and the occasional substitute appearances in matches where Tottenham can control possession. You may think this is harsh, but did you see anyone who looked as inept as Carroll step on the field for Dortmund? That’s got to be the standard for Spurs moving forward.

Next: 2. Nacer Chadli

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