10 Mistakes Spurs Boss Mauricio Pochettino Has Made So Far

5. Playing A Lone Striker

On a related note to the last point, Pochettino has persisted with the lone striker strategy, despite the fact that none of the strikers at Spurs are truly capable of fulfilling the role. Emmanuel Adebayor is suited to having a partner, thanks to his great hold up play, and to having wingers crossing the ball in, thanks to his great ability in the air - but Spurs don't play that way and he is often left isolated. He also doesn't have the tenacity or work rate to compensate by running around enough. Roberto Soldado works best with a partner and wingers too. His runs would be far more worthwhile and fruitful if someone next to him was capable of playing the ball through to him and you only have to look at his goals at Valencia to know he requires supply from the wings - seriously, watch highlight videos of his time in Spain and you will see most of his goals come from crosses. Harry Kane is just too young and inexperienced to lead the line on his own and it is debatable whether he has the presence or poaching instinct to do so alone anyway. As a result, a tactic should be employed that allows two of these players to play at the same time - at least until a new striker is signed who can lead the line by himself. Manchester United manage to play Falcao and Van Persie in the same team, Everton manage to play Lukaka and Naismith in the same team, Manchester City manage to play Dzeko and Aguero in the same team and Liverpool manage to play Sturridge and Balotelli in the same team - why can't Spurs do the same? Play to your strengths.