It’s been a bright start for the season for Tottenham Hotspur under Antonio Conte. The Italian, who picked up a Premier League and FA Cup during his time as Chelsea manager, has enjoyed his first transfer window in charge of Spurs and will be looking to end the club’s barren spell without silverware and will be looking to bookmakers not on Gamstop end the club’s barren spell without silverware. The last trophy to grace the cabinet at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium came 14 years ago now when they won the League Cup at Wembley, and while Spurs are hardly favourites with Premier League winner odds after just six games, they’ve made an encouraging start.
Under Conte, you can clearly see Spurs playing more progressive football, and while they’ve managed just two clean sheets at the time of writing, their potent attack is navigating them towards another top-four finish. While they lost Steven Bergwijn, who is now flourishing back in his native Netherlands for Ajax, Conte still has a plethora of attacking talent at his disposal. With that in mind, read on, as we look at Tottenham’s attacking options this season as they try to balance Champions League football with domestic responsibilities.
Heung-min Son
In stark contrast to the team’s good fortunes, Heung-min Son has been uncharacteristically quiet this season. The South Korean, who is usually one of the biggest dangers in front of goal, has struggled for form in the early games, failing to find the back of the net at any point. Blessed with great technical ability and dangerous on both feet, you wouldn’t expect this slump to continue for much longer. If Son can force his way back into the side, last season’s Golden Boot winner can get up and running, although any chance of winning the individual award in successive years will take some doing after Erling Haaland’s purple patch.
Harry Kane
Going into the World Cup, England fans will be loving the prospect of Harry Kane heading to Qatar in top form. The Three Lions skipper, who looked destined for Manchester City this time last year, has reinvented himself in a deeper role under Conte, but that hasn’t meant his goals have suffered. As well as his six goals this season, Kane has made space for others in the final third and used his fantastic passing range to break lines and create several big chances. His partnership with Son is one that has broken Premier League records, and if the duo re-kindle that same chemistry then Spurs will certainly be dangerous.
Richarlison
After signing for a club-record £50 million fee, Richarlison has made himself virtually un-droppable at Spurs this season. The Brazilian arrived from Everton over the summer and traded a relegation battle for a Champions League brace, reduced to tears after his first big European night ensured his side got off to a flying start against Marseille. A versatile forward, Richarlison can play out wide as well as a more recognised number nine, and his pace and positional awareness have made his integration into the first team even easier.
Dejan Kulusevski
You could tell from his first appearance in a Spurs shirt that Dejan Kulusevski was the perfect fit for a Conte team. Initially arriving on loan from Juventus, the Swedish international signed permanently over the summer and started the season in style with several good performances. Three goal contributions already represent an improvement in end product and Kulusevski can become a regular in the Spurs side should he keep up the good work.
Lucas Moura
Having become a cult hero at Spurs after his memorable performance against Ajax, Lucas Moura is a favourite in north London but injuries have meant his time on the pitch has been limited. The 30-year-old has been at the club since 2018 but has struggled to ever cement himself as a regular under Conte. If he can get back to his best, he’ll offer something unique off the bench with his pace and trickery, and with five substitutes to use expect him to get plenty of game time when returning to the pitch.
Ivan Perišić
He might turn 34 by next season, but Ivan Perišić has plenty of experience and joined Spurs from Inter Milan knowing he’d play a bit-part role as a player signed for understanding the Conte system. The Croatian won the league alongside the current boss in 2020-21 and his versatility as a wing-back as well as a member of the attacking triumvirate will mean he is used throughout the season to help with squad depth and stand in for any injuries.
