Tottenham Hotspur Season Review: Conte sparks renewed spirit at Spurs

Player of the Season – Heung-min Son

Tottenham’s player of the season was Heung-Min Son. The South Korean attacker finished the season with 23 goals, which was enough to win him the Golden Boot for the Premier League’s top scorer alongside Liverpool’s Mo Salah. In fact, Son became just the second PL player ever to score over 20 goals without a penalty, the only other being Gareth Bale for Spurs in 2008-09.

However, Harry Kane was not far behind Son in terms of his goal-scoring and overall production, as Kane netted 17 goals throughout the season, which puts him fourth overall in the Premier League for goals scored.

Most Improved Player – Eric Dier

Eric Dier’s career had hit a standstill under previous managers Mauricio Pochettino and Nuno-Espirito Santo, reflecting Tottenham’s status collectively. Under Antonio Conte, however, he has become a mainstay in the heart of the Italian’s three-back defensive system. Thanks to the newfound responsibility, he appears assured and his experience was vital in Spurs’ success late on in the season.

Signing of the Season – Dejan Kulusevski

Arriving in January from Juventus alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski is in contention for the Premier League signing of the season, let alone that of his own club. Deployed to the right of free-scoring duo Kane and Son, the Swedish international boasts the perfect blend of trickery and sheer power. Another aspect which owes perfectly his new manager’s requirements is his versatility, with players required to put their hands to a variety of different roles – something Kulusevski is adept at doing.

Unsung hero – Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

Few players can argue to have operated with consistency in a Tottenham shirt throughout the entirety of the 21/22 campaign, but one who has a solid case is defensive midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The former Southampton midfielder proved reliable in the centre of the pitch despite the sub-par performers around him and has certainly given a good account ahead of a new dawn under Antonio Conte.

Flop of the Season – Emerson Royal 

Signed from Barcelona for £25.8m as a replacement for the reckless Serge Aurier, Royal’s impact was similar to that of his predecessor at right-back. Often seen out of position and lacking in general defensive acumen, Royal has been linked with a move away under a year since signing on deadline day of last summer.

Team Rating – 8/10

It was a very successful season for Spurs, as despite a few challenges along the way, they were able to achieve their ultimate goal of finishing in the top 4 and qualifying for next season’s UCL.