Ranking Tottenham's Top 5 Players for October
Tottenham Hotspur's season is progressing nicely.
They played five times in all competitions in October, with their sole defeat coming in their Europa League trip to face Anderlecht.
After an excellent September, Spurs' results slowed in October, as they managed just one win. However, they still sit third on the Premier League's form table and sixth on one that matters.
Just three points outside the top four, they face a tricky run of fixtures in November that could determine the fate of their campaign.
Fixtures against Anderlecht and Qarabag will be vital to their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds in Europe, while a north London derby and the visit of high-flying West Ham United also loom large.
After a September in which new players such as Son Heung-Min and Toby Alderweireld quickly proved themselves to be key to Spurs' nascent campaign, October saw the usual suspects emerge once again.
5. Dele Alli
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Dele Alli started four of Spurs' five matches in October and also made his England debut.
His excellent form earlier in the season means it is no longer a surprise that a 19-year-old is a key part of Tottenham's midfield. He has formed, along with Eric Dier, the base of one of the division's most effective midfields.
In both the deep-lying role and more advanced positions, Alli has left his mark on every match.
He brings incredible energy and helps Spurs overload in attack and defence.
According to the Guardian, Alli's form has been so good he has attracted the interest of Paris Saint-Germain.
His form slipped somewhat in October, possibly as a result of missing his partnership with the equally energetic Son, but he continued to make players around him better.
He is also growing in confidence in defensive phases and regularly winning back possession.
Alli more than justifies his place in the Spurs side every week.
His all-around contribution just edges Mousa Dembele for a place on this list.
4. Hugo Lloris
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Hugo Lloris continued to prove his excellence in October despite the increasingly solid Tottenham back line.
Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen have gradually cut down the errors that have put Lloris under unnecessary pressure in previous seasons.
There have been fewer opportunities for the fantastic Frenchman to shine.
However, Lloris continues to make game-saving interventions regularly enough to remind everyone he is one of the world's finest goalkeepers.
He was slammed for failing to stop Stephan El Shaarawy's equaliser in the Monaco game, but the hysterical reaction to an error in a difficult situation only serves to underscore how high expectations are for Lloris.
His save in added time in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City was an astonishing example of the quality he possesses.
Spurs are privileged to have such an excellent custodian. His leadership on the pitch is also an emerging theme of this season.
Of Tottenham's regular starting players, Lloris is the oldest, and the experience he brings to Spurs' young team is yet another string to his bow.
3. Harry Kane
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Harry Kane is back.
At least he is according to Lloris' autograph on the match ball picked up by Kane following his hat-trick against Bournemouth.
The reality is more complex.
Kane was never really out of form but was clearly affected by his goal drought as it influenced his decision-making for the worse.
He continued to contribute even without scoring, but his three-goal performance against the Cherries will have helped buoy his self-belief.
Kane remains Spurs' most important player. He was already irreplaceable among the current squad before injuries to Nacer Chadli and Son further thinned Mauricio Pochettino's options.
Clinton Njie remains an unfinished player of great promise, so Kane is the only striker Pochettino can turn to.
Kane showed both his unwilted confidence and predatory sense against Bournemouth. His own goal against Swansea was a quirky error and does little to tarnish a fine month for Kane.
2. Eric Dier
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Dier is swiftly becoming one of Spurs' most important players as he grows into the defensive-midfield role.
Immensely strong, aggressive and intelligent, Dier has been consistently excellent in his defensive duties.
He played every minute he was eligible for in October as Pochettino continued to place his faith in the young bruiser.
Suspension kept him out of the goalless draw with Liverpool. Spurs weren't overwhelmed in his absence, but they did miss the physical authority and set-piece threat he provides.
Dier must continue to work on his distribution. He doesn't move the ball quickly enough when the opposition is defending deep; the defeat to Anderlecht showcased this weakness, but he remained a top performer in virtually every match.
At this point, Dier is probably Spurs' player of the season despite playing exclusively in an unfamiliar position. He has thrived, but it bears repeating he was considered a central defender with some competence as an emergency full-back.
Whether his long-term future lies in the midfield or further back, Spurs have a budding superstar in the spine of their team.
1. Christian Eriksen
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The little Dane Christian Eriksen was sorely missed in September as injury kept him on the sidelines.
His reputation grew by his absence, and his return confirmed just how good he is.
He is on another level to all but a handful of attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was paralysed by his renowned effectiveness at dead-ball situations, and Eriksen took full advantage, scoring a brace of free-kicks.
He nearly snatched three points from Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool with a late strike and helped orchestrate Spurs' response after falling behind early against Bournemouth.
Spurs are short on experience in midfield, with the injuries to Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason forcing Pochettino to rely on even younger players. It was vital that Eriksen, one of the most experienced players in the squad, could step into the breach in a busy period.
Eriksen did that and more as he helped his team enjoy another solid month.
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