OPINION
To be fair to Mauricio Pochettino, he hardly has a wealth of choices to pick from when it comes to laying out his sides at the moment.
Injuries and a haven fixture list have conspired to ensure that most weeks recently, he is lucky to get a match day 18 together at all.
At times, that has meant that he has had to operate on a wing and a prayer, and it has also led to some improvisation with regards to his tactical decisions.
Take Dele Alli, for instance. The England midfielder has hardly had his best campaign for Spurs, but he has been a solid contributor nonetheless.
His form has taken a real nose dive in recent weeks, however, since he has been asked to play on the left hand side of a midfield diamond.
And it’s a decision that has left Sky Sports pundit Alan McInally baffled.
Speaking on Sky Sports News (May 4th, 11.30am), he said: “I just don’t like Dele Alli playing where he plays him.
“I still think he’s best off the front man. I’d play Lucas Moura on the left hand side.
“I don’t think it worked against Ajax, and I don’t think it does Alli any favours. I don’t think that’s where he’s best.”
Generally speaking, Alli is at his best when he plays just off the front man. That role allows him the freedom to wander and to create chances.
By contrast, when he is made to sit on the left, he is given more defensive responsibility, and his natural playing style is stifled.
Spurs still have a lot to play for this season, and if they are to get the best out of the £100,000-a-week ace [Spotrac] in the time that remains, they should heed McInally’s advice.