3 Things for Tottenham Fans to Look Forward to in 2016/17 Premier League Season
Tottenham limped to the Premier League finish line in 2016, but their poor finish should not obscure an otherwise impressive season.
Mauricio Pochettino's exciting young team went far beyond expectations and exceeded some of the world's richest clubs despite an approximate transfer profit of £12 million between the winter and summer windows.
A Spurs title challenge rapidly moved from fantasy to reality on the back of a number of breakout performers.
Dele Alli and Eric Dier emerged with stunning speed, and both are now likely England starters at the upcoming European Championships.
Once the dust settles in France, the new season will swiftly follow, and Tottenham fans have more to look forward to than most.
Harry Kane Breaking More Records
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Mocked as a one-season wonder after his brilliant first year in the Premier League, Harry Kane torpedoed his critics with an even more impressive second.
This time around, Kane scored 28 goals in all competitions, including 25 in the Premier League.
That shattered the record of 21 that he had equalled in the previous campaign.
No striker in Premier League history has hit 20 goals in three consecutive seasons. Kane has a chance to become the first in 2016/17.
If he were to do so, he would eclipse legendary forwards Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand and Andy Cole, who only managed back-to-back 20 goal seasons.
A third straight 20 goal campaign would also lift Kane inside the top 50 goal scorers in Premier League history. He is currently 92nd.
Kane would also likely become the first Spurs player since Martin Chivers in the mid-'70s to be the club's top scorer in three straight seasons.
En route to his impressive tally this season, Kane moved into fourth on the club's list of all-time Premier League goal scorers.
He has now hit 49 and sits behind only Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe.
Although the 42-goal gap between him and level second-placed Keane and Defoe is unlikely to be bridged in one season, he could move within striking distance next season.
The flowering career of Tottenham's golden boy is a source of great joy for the fans at White Hart Lane.
Regardless of the club's progress, if Kane continues racking up records he will always be something to look forward to.
Dele Alli Simply Doing Things
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Dele Alli burst onto the Premier League scene in his debut campaign and, while it was cut short by his impetuous streak, every Tottenham fan will be desperate to see how he fares in year two.
Moments of utter inspiration like his goal-of-the-season flick-and-volley against Crystal Palace underscored his technical brilliance, but it was not his material contribution that made his season so impressive.
It was the style, the joy that he brought with virtually every touch.
Alli brings an impishness to Spurs' midfield and sows chaos wherever he moves on the pitch.
He scored 10 goals, made nine more for his teammates and proved himself more than capable in multiple positions, but the beautiful touches, the flair and the countless nutmegs were a constant source of excitement.
Next season can't come soon enough if it will supply more magical moments for Tottenham's 20-year-old excitement machine.
Mauricio Pochettino Maturing as a Manager
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With all the praise deservedly sent his way after an excellent second season in charge of Tottenham, it is easy to forget that Mauricio Pochettino is only in his seventh season as a manager.
The Argentinian has proven an excellent managerial appointment for Spurs, but he is still learning his trade.
This past season was the first time that he has ever been involved in a title challenge, and it is fair to say that he may regret some of the decisions he made.
Certainly, he has learned a huge amount this season and will be a better manager for it. Dale Johnson of ESPN FC noted this stat:
"Most Points Dropped from Winning Positions - PL This Season
— Dale Johnson (@dalejohnsonESPN) May 10, 2016"
Tottenham 20
Liverpool 19
Everton 18
Chelsea 17
That his team dropped more points than any other in this Premier League season means he remains as much a work in progress as his team.
For one thing, Pochettino must improve his use of substitutes next season.
On the final day, as Spurs desperately sought an equaliser against Newcastle, Pochettino withdrew Kyle Walker and threw Nacer Chadli on in his place.
That turned out to be a disastrous decision, and Tottenham were crushed.
Pochettino has already proven himself to be a great manager, but he can continue to grow in his role next season.
The fact that his job title has changed from head coach to manager in his latest contract extension shows that the club is backing him to do just that.
