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How Spurs could line up with Ndombele, Lo Celso, but without Eriksen

It could be all change in the Tottenham Hotspur midfield next season, but how could Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso potentially take the place of Christian Eriksen?

Tottenham Hotspur have just enjoyed one of the most memorable seasons in their recent history, which concluded with an appearance in the Champions League final against Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino witnessed his side succumb to a 2-0 defeat in Madrid, but Spurs' standing in Europe has only grown over the past 12 months.

With their new stadium now also complete, Spurs are expected to be an active force in the summer transfer market as they look to move closer to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League.

A number of players have been linked with a switch to North London, most notably Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso, who could leave Lyon and Real Betis respectively in the coming weeks.

Speculation regarding the pair comes at the same time as Spurs are looking to fight off interest in star playmaker Christian Eriksen.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how Spurs could line up if the Dane is replaced by one or both of Ndombele and Lo Celso.



TOTXI

Pochettino was forced into tinkering with his formation and strategy at times during the most recent campaign, and constant changes to the team's shape will likely occur next season.

If Ndombele arrives in England's capital, he will almost certainly get the nod over Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama in front of the back four, while also possessing the desire to get further forward as and when possible.

The abundance of central options at Pochettino's disposal will leave the Argentine under pressure to find a solution, with a diamond formation seemingly the easiest way to get around that issue.

Lo Celso is more at home when being used in a central position, but the Argentine's ability to feature on the right may lead to him being deployed to the side of Ndombele.

With Dele Alli likely to be given the main responsibility further forward, Pochettino would be left to choose between Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko, who formed their own effective partnership during the second half of the season.

The pair bring different qualities to the team, although Pochettino may favour the passing attributes of Winks over the explosiveness of Sissoko.

Son Heung-min has spent most of his time at Spurs as a left winger or foil for Harry Kane, and the South Korean may have to prepare himself to frequently switch roles if Ndombele and Lo Celso sign for this season's fourth-placed team.

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Written by
Darren Plant
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Son Heung-min in action for Spurs on April 23, 2019
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