Tottenham, despite their strong start to the new season, are now experiencing a dip in form as they attempt to build on last season’s Europa League success. The Lilywhites suffered their second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League last weekend, losing to local rivals Chelsea. The disappointing performance exposed several glaring issues within the squad that need to be addressed in the upcoming January transfer window.

The North Londoners struggled to control the tempo and failed to maintain possession against the Blues, a recurring issue that has become increasingly familiar to Spurs fans under Thomas Frank. The Danish tactician once again paired Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in midfield, which offered the team very little creativity in the attacking third.

Tottenham set to miss out on Kobbie Mainoo in January.

Bentancur failed to make an impact, and Spurs struggled to create chances, registering an xG of just 0.10. Both Palhinha and Bentancur are naturally defensive-minded players, more inclined to break up play and take the safer passing options. Deploying them together significantly reduces the team’s attacking spark, leaving the forwards isolated and short of service.

It is becoming clear that Tottenham need a new number eight in January to partner Joao Palhinha in...