4 Players Whose Tottenham Careers Could Be Coming to an End This Summer
Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League title hopes are hanging by a thread after Monday's 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion.
The second-placed side's slim possibility of winning it now requires an epic collapse from Leicester City in the remaining three matches.
However, this Tottenham team should—and will—be remembered fondly. It's just unlikely that it will be as the north London club's first champions since 1961 and just the third in their history.
Even as members of such a select group, some of the current squad will face the chop this summer.
The following article looks at four players whose Spurs careers could be coming to an end as Mauricio Pochettino refocuses his resources for another title tilt in 2016-17.
First up, a man who may fancy a new challenge after a couple of seasons spent mostly on the sidelines.
Michel Vorm
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Michel Vorm still has two years left on the contract he signed after joining Tottenham in summer 2014.
During his first two seasons, he has made 21 appearances, dutifully performing his responsibilities as back-up goalkeeper. His assignments varied depending on the availability of first-choice Hugo Lloris and the demands of Spurs' schedule.
Vorm has done well enough and may be happy to continue. Minimal involvement with a contender for major honours is perhaps more appealing than a regular role with an average side.
At the age of 32, you have to wonder if it will be enough for him for much longer, though.
Lloris remaining at Spurs (and staying fit) will mean intermittent game time is the best the Netherlands international can hope for.
He is still young enough—and in possession of sufficient experience—to realistically cement himself as a long-term first-choice No. 1 somewhere.
After handing 20-year-old Luke McGee (pictured above with Vorm) a new contract in October, Spurs appear to believe in him. This summer could be as good a time as any for Vorm to make a fresh start.
Tom Carroll
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"I think that it was good for all the squad to have the opportunity to play and show their skill," Pochettino said last week of the demanding mid-season schedule that saw him make good use of his squad. "Was in a fantastic moment that when I need to rotate, the competition was fantastic in between each other in the team."
Tom Carroll benefited and made the most of this as much as anyone.
He scored in wins over AS Monaco, Norwich City and Colchester United. With others injured or lacking form he became a go-to guy in midfield, ready to slot in as and when needed.
Since Tottenham's UEFA Europa League exit to Borussia Dortmund, the 23-year-old has not been needed.
Carroll's last appearance came in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth on March 20. As the title race became serious in April, he has been left to watch on, and Pochettino was not shy in stating, "the players that play deserve to still play or stay in the starting XI."
The 23-year-old's ball management and attack-facilitating movement were well utilised by Pochettino for a time. But it is fair to say he has not been as vital to Spurs' best work, as the contributions of others like Dele Alli and Mousa Dembele.
Moving forward, it is difficult to see Carroll enjoying more than a bit-part role. The competition for midfield places is already fierce, and with youngsters Josh Onomah and Harry Winks pushing on, it is set to get tougher.
One or both of Carroll and Spurs may decide that a parting of the ways could be best for each.
Nabil Bentaleb
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One of the highlights of Tottenham's summer 2015 was the news Nabil Bentaleb had signed a new contract.
The Algeria international had impressed considerably in his second season in the first team. Securing the long-term future of the spirited, classy all-rounder was seen as a must.
Unfortunately for Bentaleb, the following campaign has been close to disastrous.
Injury denied him the chance to rectify a slow start to the season. Another knock on international duty delayed his comeback even further.
The form of others left him having to bide his time, but save for a strong showing in the FA Cup third-round replay win over Leicester, his efforts were not enough to warrant him moving back ahead.
Bentaleb's last appearance (of 11 in total) came in February against Fiorentina. A knee injury suffered in late March has all but ended his season.
In an ideal world, both the 21-year-old and Spurs would chalk this up as a rough year and get to work on making the next one better. If both parties have any sense, that will be the case. Whether they will is unclear.
Bentaleb is a forceful character and could balk at having to prove himself again. Pochettino has plenty of other options and may feel he does not need him.
Keep an eye on this one.
Alex Pritchard
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Alex Pritchard may well scoff at Bentaleb's "predicament." You want a tough year? Try his for size.
After a name-making season on loan with the promotion-pushing Brentford (scoring 12 and assisting seven goals, the latter tallied by ESPN FC), the academy attacker was all set to get his shot with the Tottenham first team.
Pritchard missed last summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championships through an ankle injury but looked ready to go after he was awarded a new contract in the summer. He worked his way to fitness and was chosen to come on in the 0-0 draw against Everton in August ahead of the then-struggling Erik Lamela.
Unfortunately for the 22-year-old, his ankle was still causing him problems. In October, he underwent surgery that kept him out until the new year.
In the meantime, others had firmly established themselves ahead of Pritchard in the pecking order. So he went on loan to West Bromwich Albion seeking what he thought would be the useful top-flight experience that would salvage his season.
Instead, he has featured a disappointing three times. Baggies boss Tony Pulis said in February the lack of opportunity was partly down to not wanting to damage Pritchard's recovery, per Paul Suart of the Birmingham Mail, but it's safe to say more was hoped for.
Pochettino was asked about Pritchard in his pre-West Brom press conference. Although admitting he had more pressing concerns, neither his answer nor demeanour will have filled the player with confidence about his Spurs prospects.
"Alex feels disappointed, we are very disappointed too," Pochettino said, stating they intend to "take some decisions in the next few weeks. For sure after the season."
There is undoubtedly faith in the skilful and inventive Pritchard's talent.
But with others like Lamela and Christian Eriksen doing so well in his absence in attacking midfield, he could be facing an uphill battle to get back in the reckoning. It's one that may be made more difficult if Pochettino feels this is a position he can strengthen in the transfer market.
Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.
