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Tottenham projected XI at Juventus: Pochettino goes conservative

By Rucker Haringey

TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Tottenham Hotspur FC Training Session ahead of there UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Juventus at Allianz Stadium on February 12, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
TURIN, ITALY - FEBRUARY 12: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Tottenham Hotspur FC Training Session ahead of there UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match against Juventus at Allianz Stadium on February 12, 2018 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal is fouled by Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 10: Danny Welbeck of Arsenal is fouled by Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur and Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on February 10, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Defensive midfielder-Mousa Dembele

A few short weeks ago it seemed that Dembele’s time as a full-time starter at Spurs was over. My how things change. His recent string of imperious performances have increased his stock at a meteoric rate.

Tottenham will need him at his best to control this match. Breaking up play in the middle of the park is going to be an absolute necessity. Specifically, Dembele will be charged with keeping Miralem Pjanic at bay. That duel could easily decide this match.

Defensive midfielder-Eric Dier

Dier has suffered through a very inconsistent campaign. With that being said, he was excellent this weekend against Arsenal. Pochettino will hope he can ride that momentum into a terrific performance against Juventus.

Expect to see Dier deployed as the most defensive player in Pochettino’s midfield. He will be at the base of the diamond. That means his chief job will be to shield the back four. Dier has to stay home and do his job for Tottenham to be successful.

Defensive midfielder-Christian Eriksen

Stick with me here. Eriksen isn’t a typical choice for a defensive midfield role, but Pochettino will want him to pull the strings in this match. Eriksen won’t be absolved of all defensive duties, but his real charge will be to unlock the Spurs attack from a deeper spot in the midfield.

Very simply, the more time Eriksen can get on the ball, the better off it will be for Tottenham. Pochettino will need him to do his best Luka Modric impression in this match. Time will tell if the talented Dane is capable of filling that role.

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