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: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur shoots 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: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur shoots 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) /

Attacking midfielder-Christian Eriksen

It’s quite possible that Tottenham’s Danish number 10 is the most underrated player in the squad. He doesn’t get nearly the credit he deserves for keeping the ball moving all afternoon for his attacking teammates.

Eriksen also has the ability to produce clever runs that really confuse the opposition. He isn’t the quickest attacker in Europe, but is timing and vision really make him a problem for even the most talented central defenders. Eriksen will have a point to prove on Saturday against the Toffees’ expensive midfield.

Attacking midfielder-Dele Alli

I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but Dele flipped the bird to Kyle Walker while on England duty this week. Fortunately, Pochettino doesn’t care about this incident in the slightest.

That’s why Dele will start alongside Eriksen this weekend. He may not be the most consistent Tottenham star, but he can pop up with a goal out of nowhere. Everton’s defense will keep a close eye on him wherever he roams on the pitch.

Attacking midfielder-Moussa Sissoko

This will be Pochettino’s most controversial selection of the day. I believe he’ll choose the physical Frenchman over the more popular choice, Son Heung-Min.

The Korean might ultimately get the nod, but I think Pochettino prefers to bring him off the bench. Son looks a lot better running at tired defenders than he does giving out of energy after an hour.

I even toyed with the idea of Pochettino starting two strikers in an effort to get Fernando Llorente on the pitch. Expect him to use this tactic some this season, but not on Saturday. Sissoko gets the starting nod due to his physicality and willingness to run all over the pitch for Spurs.