Tottenham vs. Bayer Leverkusen: 5 pivotal matchups

(L-R) Charles Aranquiz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur FCduring the Champions League group E match between Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham Hotspur on October 18, 2016 at the Bay Arena in Leverkusen, Germany(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
(L-R) Charles Aranquiz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur FCduring the Champions League group E match between Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham Hotspur on October 18, 2016 at the Bay Arena in Leverkusen, Germany(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
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5. Vincent Janssen vs. Jonathan Tah

If you like physical, old school battles between centre forwards and centre backs then this matchup is for you. Expect Janssen and Tah to spend a lot of time banging up against one another.

The Dutch striker still hasn’t managed a goal from open play in his Tottenham career. Typically, that would seem to indicate an advantage for the defense. I’m not so sure that’s accurate in this case.

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I actually fancy Janssen’s ability to torment the likely duo of Tah and Omer Toprak on the afternoon. Neither is accustomed to playing against a centre forward who enjoys the battle quite like Janssen. He’s a different sort of attacker than they see every week in the Bundesliga.

Remember, Janssen doesn’t necessarily need to score to have a positive impact on the Spurs attack. Simply holding the ball up and laying it off to his attacking teammates could be the key to find a goal for Tottenham.