Tottenham Hotspur fans are enduring a season far from what they had hoped for just a few months ago.
While there are some bright spots, such as reaching the League Cup semi-finals and remaining in contention for the Europa League, the club’s Premier League form has been a significant disappointment.
Currently, Ange Postecoglou’s side sits 11th in the league table, with more losses than wins to their name.
This is despite being the Premier League’s top scorers, highlighting a glaring imbalance within the squad.
The most obvious issue is their defensive frailty. Injuries have played a part, but some of the regular starters in defence have been underperforming and need to be dropped ahead of their crucial game against Nottingham Forest this afternoon.
The Spurs Player Who Must Be Dropped
Recent performances suggest that multiple players could be candidates for exclusion from the starting XI.
However, given that defence is the most pressing issue and that Tottenham lacks depth at centre-back, Pedro Porro should be the player to make way.
Since his arrival under former manager Antonio Conte, the Spanish full-back has been a key figure for the team.
Offensively, he remains a threat, having contributed five goal involvements this season.
However, his defensive performances have been a cause for concern.
Porro’s struggles were glaringly evident in Tottenham’s recent match against Liverpool. He was repeatedly exposed during the Reds’ counterattacks, contributing to Tottenham’s defensive collapse.
His poor display earned him a dismal 4/10 rating from Spurs writer Alasdair Gold, who noted that “so many goals are conceded in his part of the Spurs box.”
This criticism is supported by the numbers. During the Liverpool match, Porro lost possession 21 times, was dribbled past once, and won only 50% of his duels. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident.
Similar defensive shortcomings were on display in the Europa League clash against Rangers, where he earned a 5/10 rating, and in the home game against Ipswich Town last month, where journalist Mitch Fretton described his performance as a “horror show.”
While Porro’s attacking contributions have been valuable, his defensive vulnerabilities make him a liability, and a change is needed for today’s match.
The Spurs Player Who Should Start Against Nottingham Forest
Destiny Udogie should be the player to come into the starting lineup, replacing Porro.
Although Udogie missed Sunday’s game due to injury, Postecoglou expressed optimism about his availability for today’s match, especially since he was fit enough to be named on the bench against Liverpool.
Now, some may question how a left-back like Udogie could replace a right-back such as Porro.
The solution lies in reconfiguring the backline. Porro’s position should be filled by Djed Spence, while Udogie slots into his natural left-back role.
Spence has shown promise and could offer the defensive stability Tottenham desperately needs on the right flank.
Although he has not been in peak form this season, he has been more reliable defensively than Porro.
Furthermore, Spence’s impressive performances last season earned him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Year award, a testament to his potential.
At just 22 years old, he is capable of rediscovering his best form with regular game time.
Statistically, Spence’s defensive contributions this season have been notable. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 7% of full-backs for blocks, the top 9% for progressive passes and tackles, and the top 12% for pass completion, all on a per-90-minute basis.
These metrics highlight his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a solid option to replace Porro.
Udogie, meanwhile, has also had a mixed season but possesses the talent and athleticism to regain his best form.
He was a standout performer last season and could provide the team with the dynamism and defensive coverage it needs on the left side.
Conclusion
Tottenham’s defensive issues require immediate attention, and dropping Porro for today’s match against Nottingham Forest is a logical step.
Spence’s inclusion at right-back, coupled with Udogie’s return on the left, offers a more balanced defensive setup while maintaining attacking potential.
While no solution is perfect, this change would give Spurs a chance to stabilize their backline and build some much-needed momentum in the Premier League.
