While they've had promising moments over the last couple of decades, Tottenham Hotspur have never quite managed to break through and become a top football club in England. Whether it was Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho or now Ange Postecoglou in charge, the north London team have always failed to get over the hump and get their hands on silverware.
They've developed a reputation for being, well, 'Spursy' a term that indicates their repeated instances of crumbling under the bright lights. That was on full display recently, as they let a 1-0 aggregate lead slip against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup semi-final. After picking up a narrow victory in the first leg, Spurs were thrashed 4-0 in the return fixture and Arne Slot's men advanced to the final, while Tottenham's wait for silverware continues.
Things are looking particularly rough this season, with Postecoglou's side struggling in the league and sitting all the way down in 14th after 24 games. The squad needs some serious work and after analysing the entire team, GiveMeSport have ranked every Tottenham player in a series of categories from 'Must Keep' to 'Get Rid'.
Must Keep
Vicario, Solanke, Van de Ven, Romero
It's not been pretty for Spurs recently, but things could have been a lot worse without these stars. There are four players who the club must keep at all costs and they are Guglielmo Vicario, Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero. After years with Hugo Lloris in goal, Spurs faced a tough task replacing the Frenchman, but they hit it out of the park with Vicario. The shot-stopper is one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League right now.
Van de Ven has been an outstanding defender when he's fit. He's one of the fastest players in England and despite his issues with injuries, he's certainly someone Tottenham should keep their hands on. Dominic Solanke was signed last summer as the club looked to add firepower. He might not have been a major success yet, but 11 goals in his first 28 games is a solid foundation to build upon.
Finally, Romero may have a tendency to act a little erratic every once in a while, but there's no denying that he makes Spurs better and his presence in the backline is massive for the club. Postecoglou would have a hard job finding someone better than the Argentine.
Useful to Have
Spence, Johnson, Kulusevski, Porro, Udogie, Kinsky, Davies
For a team to be successful, they need a variety of players. Of course, the superstars are nice, but they also need role players who are capable of doing a job. Spurs have several of these on the books right now. After a tricky start at the club, Djed Spence has developed into a very useful player to have around for Tottenham. He's operating as a solid backup defender, who is capable of performing when called upon.
Other useful figures at Postecoglou's disposal right now are Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevki, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Antonin Kinsky and Ben Davies. The former also got off to a rocky beginning in north London, but has since demonstrated his ability to make a difference when it matters. Kulusevki, Porro and Udogie have all been fine servants for Spurs since arriving and the club would be wise to keep hold of them. Davies is just an excellent backup option in defence and his ability to operate in a number of different positions is massive. Similarly, Kinsky has come in and been an excellent deputy in goal while Guglielmo Vicario is out injured.
Talented Youngster
Gray, Sarr, Bergvall, Moore, Odobert
The present might look a little rough, but the future at Tottenham is considerably brighter with some of the talented youngsters they currently have on the books. Archie Gray is a stand-out following his move from Leeds United. Pape Matar Sarr is another exciting prospect who looks set to have a strong career ahead of him.
They aren't alone, though. Lucas Bergvall, Mikey Moore and Wilson Odobert all look very promising and Tottenham would be wise to hold onto them while they develop. They might have some real gems on their hands with this batch of young talent.
Jury is Still Out
Dragusin, Maddison, Tel, Danso
Radu Dragusin joined Tottenham last season and the jury is still out about whether he's the right fit for Tottenham going forward. The 23-year-old defender has shown signs of brilliance, but it's a small sample size. Another player who the jury is still out on is James Maddison. When healthy, he's one of Spurs' best and most creative players, but he's struggled with injuries since moving to north London. If he can figure out a way to stay healthy, though, he'll be a must keep.
GiveMeSport Key Statistic: James Maddison has only played a full 90-minute match three times in 31 appearances this season
Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso were both late loan acquisitions at the club and with just one appearance in a Tottenham shirt for both, it's far too soon to make any judgements.
Listen to Offers
Son, Richarlison, Bissouma, Bentancur, Forster
Then there are players that Tottenham don't necessarily need to get rid of, but they should certainly entertain any offers that may come their way for them. The first is Son Heung-min. The South Korean has been an icon for Spurs over the years and is undoubtedly one of their greatest ever Premier League players. He's started slowing down, though, and with his production noticeably lower than it has been in the past, it might be time to cash in before things get worse.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Only Hugo Lloris (447) has played more Premier League games for Tottenham than Son Heung-min (440)
Richarlison has a role to play at Tottenham, but he hasn't been the success that many hoped he'd be when he joined from Everton. There's still a spot in the side for him, but if a team came in with an attractive offer, Spurs should listen. Antonin Kinsky recently joined the club and with that, Fraser Forster's place looks even less necessary. His presence isn't a problem, but if someone made an offer, Postecoglou's side should consider it.
The last two, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur, are in a similar position. Both came to Tottenham with high profiles and had failed to deliver what was expected. Jamie Carragher even recently labelled them a 'disgrace'. They're solid players, but if Spurs can find someone willing to offer a nice amount for either of them, they'd be wise to listen.
Get Rid
Reguilon, Austin, Werner
While things aren't going well at Tottenham right now, there are only three players that they should outright get rid of at any cost and they are Sergio Reguilon, Brandon Austin and Timo Werner. The former has barely played under Postecoglou and has offered very little in the limited minutes he has received.
There are several goalkeepers more capable than Austin at the club, so keeping him on the books doesn't make a lot of sense. Werner joined on loan from RB Leipzig in January 2024, before extending the deal to cover the entirety of the 2024/25 campaign. Things haven't gone well, though. The former Chelsea man has been very disappointing and the club opted against making his move a permanent one.
At this point, he isn't worth keeping around and they might as well send him back to Germany.