Tottenham projected starting XI at Manchester United: Alderweireld sticks

Tottenham projected starting XI at Manchester United: Alderweireld keeps his place

Tottenham Hotspur's Argentinian head coach Mauricio Pochettino shouts instructions to his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. (Photo by Lindsey PARNABY / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo credit should read LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

Tottenham Hotspur’s English defender Eric Dier (L) heads the ball towards goal for Tottenham Hotspur’s Belgian defender Jan Vertonghen (unseen) to score the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on August 11, 2018. /

Central midfielder-Eric Dier

The physical midfielder isn’t getting a lot of headlines, but he’s off to a solid start to the season. He’s one player who isn’t showing any ill effects after a protracted run in this summer’s World Cup.

Dier is certainly benefiting from the fact that he’s the only defensive midfielder capable of playing a full 90 minutes for Pochettino at the moment. He’s using his big body to break up play in the midfield. Count on him to play a deeper role against United. His ability to function as a box-to-box midfielder will be a key to the match.

Central midfielder-Christian Eriksen

Eriksen will start the match next to Dier, but Pochettino will ask his two midfielders to play very different roles. Dier will be charged with shielding the back line, while Eriksen will be required to pull the strings for the Spurs attack.

The Danish maestro has been relatively quiet to start the season, but this is a match where he really needs to assert himself. He cannot be an innocent bystander against United. Eriksen needs to get on the ball early and often to help push his squad forward.

That doesn’t mean Eriksen needs to run past the front line. He can dominate a match by sitting back and picking passes out from the midfield. It’s more important for him to provide his team assists than goals.

Home/Tottenham Hotspur