Tottenham projected starting XI v Everton: How many new signings will play?

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus on August 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05: Tottenham Hotspur Manager Mauricio Pochettino during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus on August 5, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Tottenham player Mousa Dembele in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on August 13, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Tottenham player Mousa Dembele in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on August 13, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Defensive midfielder-Mousa Dembele

The Everton attack will be a ton of pressure on Tottenham’s midfield this weekend. Fortunately for Pochettino, he can deploy Mousa Dembele in the middle of the park to control the match.

The Belgian international has been sensational to start the season. His ability to win the ball and carry it through close quarters provide his teammates a huge lift. Dembele serves to shield the back four and trigger the Spurs attack. In many ways, he’s irreplaceable for Tottenham. Fortunately, Pochettino doesn’t need to worry about that on Saturday.

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Defensive midfielder-Eric Dier

The injury to Victor Wanyama makes this selection pretty obvious. Some Spurs fans might want to see Harry Winks get the start, but expect Eric Dier to serve as Dembele’s partner.

Tottenham will be anxious to see Dier rediscover his top form. Last season was very uneven for the English international, but he was forced to play in central defense for most of the season. Now that he’s back in his preferred midfield spot, his quality of play needs to increase dramatically. The Toffees will give him a stern test, but also a great opportunity to prove he deserves to stay in the starting XI.