How Tottenham could line up under Nuno Espirito Santo with Jimenez replacing Kane after transfer raid on Wolves
NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO looks set to finally end Tottenham’s search for a new manager.
The Portuguese boss is ready to step straight back into management after leaving Wolves at the end of the season.
Daniel Levy’s farcical hunt for a new boss saw a staggering ten candidates linked with the job to replace Jose Mourinho.
Tottenham supporters are desperate to freshen up the playing squad next season, with things going stale since the pinnacle of the Mauricio Pochettino era.
But with the coronavirus pandemic having crippled the club’s finances, it could be another underwhelming summer.
Especially if Spurs lose Harry Kane.
If Levy, 59, does turn to Nuno – perhaps the Portuguese former goalkeeper would lean on trusted lieutenants that he has worked with before.
While Hugo Lloris will almost certainly remain between the sticks, Nuno would likely seek to freshen up the back line in front of the Frenchman – starting with moving to his preferred back three.
Wolves have ditched the formation this season, but it is no secret that the former Valencia and Porto boss favours a three at the back system.
At 32, Toby Alderweireld is beyond his best years, but could still play a big role on the right of the three.
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And perhaps Nuno would look to recruit Conor Coady, who earned Gary Neville’s man of the match award despite his Wolves side losing 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend.
A back three could open the door to a different role for Ben Davies on the left side, where he has more regularly played for Wales than Spurs.
Sergio Reguilon would maybe benefit from having fewer defensive responsibilities at wing-back.
Matt Doherty could receive a new lease of life under his old boss on the right side – despite currently looking destined for an exit.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has shown enough in his debut season to earn a chance in a more functional new team.
But fans may be disappointed if the club give up on 2019 acquisitions Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.
This may be offset a little bit, however, if Nuno could bring Ruben Neves with him from Molineux.
If Harry Kane exits, Son Heung-min will have a huge burden of pressure on his shoulders to score goals from the left flank.
And maybe Nuno would look to bring in further reinforcements from Wolves.
Adama Traore could come in for some games, with few players in the Premier League possessing a similar presence while carrying the ball at pace.
But in matches where Nuno doesn’t fancy him from the start, as has happened at Wolves, Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn or Lucas Moura could feature.
A fully-fit Raul Jimenez would be a contender to try and replace some of the mammoth gap a departing Kane would leave upfront.
But signing the Mexican would also be a tremendous risk, despite him being cleared to return next season earlier this week, given the severity of the head injury he suffered against Arsenal in November.
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