Why Nacer Chadli Will Be a Pivotal Figure for Tottenham in 2015-16 Season

Many of Tottenham Hotspur's best moments in 2014-15 have often involved either Harry Kane or Christian Eriksen. The former torched Arsenal to win February's north London derby and has scored plenty more besides. The latter sealed Tottenham's place in the Capital One Cup final and has struck a clutch of late winners.

Kane took the majority of headlines too after scoring twice in the 5-3 New Year's Day victory over eventual champions Chelsea. The performance of Spurs' fifth goalscorer that day, Nacer Chadli, was comparatively underplayed. But the confidence with which he took on Jose Mourinho's men from his left-wing berth was as impressive as anything seen in a Lilywhite shirt this season.

The potential of Chadli to more fully realise his considerable talent should see him be a pivotal figure for Tottenham in 2015-16.

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The reasons this current campaign has not see him regularly produce his best are clear.

Chadli was part of a team adapting to life under a new boss in Mauricio Pochettino early on. Although one of their better performers—notably giving Spurs the lead in their 1-1 draw away at Arsenal—the 25-year-old was not completely immune to the collective down days forming part of this process.

The second blow to a possibly even more productive individual year was the personal bereavement Chadli suffered in January. One, he has now made the unsurprising and understandable admission, contributed to his late-winter/early-spring downturn in form.

"It took me a while to be on the pitch and enjoy the football because there are some period in your life when it's difficult to go through," the Belgium international said recently to BBC World Service's World Football programme. "But luckily for me I have my family and friends to help me go through this and now I'm happy again on the pitch and that's what makes me happy."

It has shown. Chadli played some of his best football in months in the win over Newcastle United and the draw with Southampton, opening the scoring against the Magpies before netting an equally eye-catching equaliser.

Unable to make a similar impact in last Sunday's 1-0 loss to Manchester City, the attacking midfielder still looked more like his usual self. In one first-half moment he got back to tackle James Milner before skillfully weaving his way out of his own penalty area. A tad risky perhaps, but to see Chadli enjoying his football again was a welcome sight indeed.

Pochettino has shown in his media exchanges this year he prefers not to focus too much on players individually. But in his pre-Man City press conference he was willing to describe the attacking midfielder as "an important player for us."

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"Within the season he's showed he has improved a lot," said the head coach. "This is his second season here with Tottenham and his improvement is good."

Chadli's progress from a bit-part player adjusting to life in a new country, to a frequently influential contributor (he has featured in 32 of Spurs' 35 games) is testament to that improvement. The Belgian's basic numbers—12 goals and five assists, the latter tallied by ESPN FC—further demonstrate his value.

Altogether, it should earn him a crack at retaining his starting spot next season. With Pochettino's continued backing and another year's Premier League experience, the football side of things is certainly primed for an already solid-performing player to get even better.

Should Spurs continue using the 4-2-3-1 formation they predominantly have under the Argentinian, Chadli's presence will almost certainly be required (barring the summer capture of a better player of his type). Alongside Emmanuel Adebayor early on and latterly Kane, his greater physicality—compared to fellow wide-men Erik Lamela and Andros Townsend—has seen him often serve as an auxiliary striker.

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The brace against Queens Park Rangers in August and the excellent volley in March's 3-2 defeat of Swansea City were the most eye-catching examples of his ability to adapt his winger's responsibilities to such a supporting role. Chadli's 0.8 aerial duels per game won (compared to 0.2 from Lamela and Townsend's 0.1), recorded by WhoScored.com, also highlights his consistent willingness to mix it up in the rougher parts of attack too.

Even if Pochettino alters his system, Chadli's well-rounded style will mean he is still highly useful. The recent goals and performances against Newcastle and Southampton demonstrate he can do direct and more intricate, as well as the closer-quarter combat in and around the box.

A criticism of Tottenham's attacking work this season is that it can be too one-note at times (usually stemming from the limitations of 4-2-3-1). In the versatile Chadli they have a ready-made, battle-enhanced option who might just help them become that much more expansive.

Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

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