Tottenham Hotspur legend Glenn Hoddle believes that the club can challenge the dominance of Manchester City – if they can keep hold of Harry Kane and Mauricio Pochettino for the next two years.
Spurs were widely expected to challenge for the Premier League title again after running the winners close in the past two seasons, but City have dominated all the competition to romp ahead and look like winners already.
Tottenham face a big fight to make the top four, with the club currently sitting in fifth, two points behind Liverpool, who they meet on Sunday in a crucial Premier League clash.
In a column for the Daily Mail, Hoddle outlined the club’s crucial aims for the next two years: “What Tottenham need is at least two years from Harry and Mauricio. Two more years, to take them into the stadium. Of course, there may come a day when one or both of them leave. But I’m hoping it’s not now. They’re both very committed to Tottenham and this project.
“While they would expect to be paid the market price, neither is motivated primarily by money. They’re building something special. Give it two more years and see it through. And who knows? By then, Tottenham might be competing at an even higher level and have accumulated a few trophies.
“It’s going to be hard. Manchester City look like they might dominate the next few years. But playing like they did last Wednesday, Tottenham look so well positioned to be one of the major threats.”
Premier League top scorer Kane already has 21 league goals this season, and has reached the milestone of 30 for the season in all competitions.
Spurs are facing a crucial few weeks ahead, which they started well with a 2-0 win over Manchester United last time out, with them to face Liverpool, Arsenal and then Juventus in the next two weeks.
OPINION
If Spurs want any chance of challenging again for the Premier League in the near future, it is clear for all to see that Kane and Pochettino are key. There are other players in the squad who are indispensable, but Kane is the main man. There is no denying that, and Spurs will be reeling if he does leave any time soon. However, with the new stadium around the corner, it looks as though the club are in a good position to keep their main assets, at least for two more years like Hoddle says they need to.