[long_read]
Tottenham Hotspur have so far battled through a very mixed season that could still end with the greatest moment in the clubs’ history.
The Champions League final awaits with Liverpool there to meet them. Spurs have been nowhere near the class of this year’s Premier League runners up this season, having finished 26 points behind the Reds. However, in a one-off game, anything can happen.
Mauricio Pochettino has been criticised in the past for not getting Tottenham over the line in semi-finals and finals, but this year it could happen in the greatest club competition in the world, and even if it doesn’t, the achievement of getting them there is admirable nonetheless.
If Spurs win the European Cup, you surely can’t put a price on that, but looking at how the season has gone so far, which Spurs players have really earned their wages throughout the season?
[snack_break title=”Goalkeepers”]
Hugo Lloris (£5,200,000 p/y)
The France captain has not been at his best, making errors throughout this campaign. Every goalkeeper is entitled to mistakes, they can’t always be helped, but I’m not sure his are overshadowed by great moments of quality either.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Michel Vorm (£2,080,000 p/y)
Hasn’t figured much, but hasn’t done too badly when he has.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Paulo Gazzaniga (£1,040,000 p/y)
Has looked very good when coming into the team, with some fans even calling for him to start over Lloris.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title=”Defenders”]
Kieran Trippier (£3,380,000 p/y)
After a brilliant World Cup, here’s proof that the world of football can be very unforgiving. Trippier has fallen far from his best, perhaps just a World Cup hangover. Pochettino continues to trust him though, which shows his resilience.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Danny Rose (£3,120,000 p/y)
We’ve not seen the best of Danny Rose, but he’s come through a hard patch on and off the pitch by putting in much-improved displays in the games where Spurs have really needed it. There’s still a top player in him and perhaps a proper rest this summer will do the left-back the world of good.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Toby Alderweireld (£4,160,000 p/y)
The Belgian has delivered another strong season though perhaps hasn’t quite hit the heights of previous years. Still a wonderful player and one of the best in the league at what he does.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Jan Vertonghen (£5,200,000 p/y)
Vertonghen has been the best of Spurs’ defenders this season, dominating physically and showing his class in possession as well. A very good season for the left-sided centre-back.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Davinson Sanchez (£3,380,000 p/y)
At 22, Sanchez is still a young player learning his trade. What’s more, he’s competing against two of the best in the league for a starting place. Lack of consistent runs in the team may be costing him the discovery of his best form, but he’s done ok when called upon.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Kyle Walker-Peters (£1,040,000 p/y)
He’s looked fantastic when brought into the team, showing great versatility and maturity. Definitely one for the future.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Juan Foyth (£1,118,000 p/y)
Foyth divides opinion. He’s had some great performances but shown his erratic nature too often this season. He’s young and has a lot to learn, but he’s by no means been the main problem in a leaky Tottenham defence this season. Plenty of promise in him to encourage fans.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Serge Aurier (£3,640,000 p/y)
Before his move to PSG, Aurier was considered one of the best right-backs in the world. His development didn’t continue as it had and he’s since played second fiddle to Trippier at right-back. All the attributes but not enough substance.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Ben Davies (£3,120,000 p/y)
He’s been a reliable option but isn’t the most exciting option down the flanks. You get the impression Davies is seen as the safer defensive option of the two left-backs, and he’s done ok this year.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
[snack_break title=”Midfielders”]
Harry Winks (£2,600,000 p/y)
Unfortunate with injuries, but is often the calm in the storm of Tottenham’s manic midfield. As much as fans love the explosive nature of Moussa Sissoko’s presence, Winks is the perfect partner to balance it out. He’s done very well this year.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Erik Lamela (£4,160,000 p/y)
Too many injuries once again this season. It’s not his fault but ultimately it does affect how much he can contribute to the team. At his best, he looks brilliant, but we don’t see it enough.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Victor Wanyama (£3,380,000 p/y)
Has recently returned to the team from injury and delivered mixed displays. There’s definitely a role for him to play but doesn’t look like a week-in-week-out starter.
Has he earned his wage? Just about.
Eric Dier (£3,120,000 p/y)
Dier hasn’t hit the heights he did in his earlier seasons at Tottenham, and it seems fans are starting to lose patience with him. However, there’s clearly something about him as both Mauricio Pochettino and Gareth Southgate at England keep him regularly involved. His versatility is key, but ultimately he’s not enjoyed a good season by his standards.
Has he earned his wage?: Definitely not.
Moussa Sissoko (£4,160,000 p/y)
Tottenham’s most improved player, but also probably their best player this whole season. He’s been a bundle of energy, drive and determination but he’s also shown quality to go with it. He was written off by many but he’s proven the doubters very wrong.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Dele Alli (£5,200,000 p/y)
Has had a few injuries this season as well and hasn’t found his best form. With Alli, you’ll always get great moments of pure magic, but over the whole season, he’s struggled. Perhaps a World Cup hangover as well, but we haven’t seen the Alli of old. He’s young though and entitled to have off-days so a summer of rest should see him return to his best.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Christian Eriksen (£3,900,000 p/y)
Eriksen has also been inconsistent, similarly suffering injuries which haven’t helped his cause. Regardless, he’s managed to deliver some stunning moments when it really mattered for Spurs, some that secured their place in the top four.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
[snack_break title=”Forwards”]
Heung-Min Son (£7,280,000 p/y)
One of Spurs’ stand-out players. A real threat the way he carries the ball, can whip in a cross, win penalties and most importantly score goals. A top player.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Vincent Janssen (£1,768,000 p/y)
Pochettino didn’t even include him in the Champions League knock-out squad, which tells you everything you need to know. Not rated and not given the opportunities because of it.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Harry Kane (£10,400,000 p/y)
He’s the main man for club and country and even with his recurring ankle problem he’s shown he can deliver big goals and big performances without too long a recovery period. The ankle will be worrying him, the coaches and the fans, but his wage bill won’t be, he deserves every bit of it.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (£1,820,000 p/y)
Barely played before leaving on loan in January. Put in a brilliant cross for Winks’ winner against Fulham, but nothing else.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely not.
Fernando Llorente (£3,900,000 p/y)
Often criticised but for some, he’s the unsung hero. Works very hard, does what he can with his obvious weaknesses and looks to be a nuisance anyway. Hard to play against and has had a huge part to play in the goals that got Spurs to the Champions League final.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
Lucas Moura (£4,160,000 p/y)
This player should be starting more because he’s phenomenal. An abundance of skill, an eye for goal and the work ethic to go with it. He’s brilliant.
Has he earned his wage? Definitely has.
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