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Tottenham’s projected starting XI v Dortmund: New signing will take centre stage

By Rucker Haringey

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on September 9, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on September 9, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur attempts to get psat Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur attempts to get psat Andreas Christensen of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on August 20, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images) /

Centre Midfielder-Mousa Dembele

The Belgian tank didn’t get the start against Everton this weekend, but I suspect that was designed to rest him for the Dortmund match. Count on Dembele to get the starting nod in Tottenham’s most important match of the young season.

He’ll be counted on heavily to control the ball for Spurs in the middle of the pitch. Pochettino’s side cannot afford to turn the ball over and let Dortmund hit them on the counter. Dembele’s ability to maneuver through tight spaces and break up play when called upon will be key.

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Centre Midfielder-Eric Dier

If Victor Wanyama were fully fit, he’d get the starting nod here. Shielding the central defense will be the first priority for Pochettino’s midfield. Fortunately, Spurs can deploy Eric Dier in a similar role.

Positional discipline will be the key to Dier’s effectiveness in this match. If the Englishman tries to get too far forward, it will leave Spurs vulnerable in defense. Dier cannot afford to overdo things against Dortmund. If he plays a simple, but effective match it will give his team a legitimate chance to win.

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