JOSE MOURINHO has been handed the reins at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The 56-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Manchester United last December – but after Tottenham sacked Mauricio Pochettino, the Portuguese was swiftly snatched up to take over in North London.
Spurs have struggled this season, suffering humiliating results against Colchester and Bayern Munich, as well as a dire 3-0 defeat at Brighton.
We take a look at how the Lilywhites could line up under the Special One.
HUGO LLORIS
The French skipper has struggled for form in the last year or two – but at his best remains a remarkable shot stopper.
While Spurs should have one eye on a long-term replacement for the 32-year-old who is reportedly interested in a move to MLS, Mourinho could value his leadership and experience in the short term.
Lloris is currently out injured with a dislocated elbow, but should return in the new year.
YOUCEF ATAL
The flying 23-year-old full-back could help launch Spurs into a new era.
The Algerian lit up the Africa Cup of Nations with his skill and trickery on the right flank, and could finally be the man to fill the gaping hole left by the departure of Kyle Walker in 2017.
The Nice defender would likely cost as much as 35million – with Chelsea also rumoured to be keen.
Atal even chipped in with six goals from defence in Ligue 1 last season – and would offer Spurs a badly needed top class option at right-back.
DAVINSON SANCHEZ
The imposing Colombian defender impressed in his first season at Spurs after his megabucks move from Ajax in 2017.
But the 23-year-old found himself in and out of the team last season and struggled for form as a result.
Sanchez has often looked more physically dominant over his opponents when playing for his national team rather than at Spurs – where strikers like Salomon Rondon and Aleksandar Mitrovic have had joy against him.
Mourinho could be the man to get Sanchez consistently performing for Tottenham as he does for his country. If so, Tottenham will have a special young defender on their hands.
JUAN FOYTH
Jose Mourinho has never been known as a manager that will teach his players specific patterns when playing out from the back.
Fortunately, however, in Juan Foyth he would possess a 21-year-old defender so adept with the ball at his feet that it might not matter.
Already a full Argentina international, Foyth should develop into one of the league’s finest defenders – particularly if Mourinho can teach him a little more discipline.
RYAN SESSEGNON
Spurs fans are still awaiting their first glimpse of their new 30million summer signing from Fulham in a Tottenham shirt.
But supporters believe that he will be worth the wait.
While the 19-year-old scored 15 goals as a winger as Fulham won promotion in 2017-18, he initially made his name as a left-back
And the ability and intelligence to learn and adapt to different positions at such a young age could be an asset that Mourinho would greatly admire in Sessegnon.
The ex Fulham man could prove to be a long-term solution for Spurs at left-back, with Danny Rose having struggled for form since a serious knee injury back in 2017.
TANGUY NDOMBELE
Tanguy Ndombele ended a signing drought of over 500 days when he arrived at Spurs in the summer, prompting excitement from fans up and down the country.
And there have been encouraging early signs from the 60million man despite Tottenham’s dodgy form – with the 22-year-old having scored in wins over Aston Villa and Southampton.
Mauricio Pochettino has struggled to cope with losing the influence of Mousa Dembele in the Spurs midfield – but perhaps Mourinho could mould Ndombele into that perfect blend of bruiser and ballet dancer that the Belgian was for Spurs.
GIOVANI LO CELSO
There was incredible excitement from fans when Spurs secured the signing of Giovani Lo Celso from Real Betis over the summer.
After just three substitute appearances, however, the Argentina international broke down with an injury on international duty.
But the 23-year-old combines effortless skill with a bit of bite that Mourinho could nurture in the Tottenham midfield.
The Special One had joy at Chelsea with a midfield partnership of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas, and Lo Celso alongside Ndombele could have the ability to boss games for Spurs.
PAULO DYBALA
Another Argentine, Tottenham came so close to securing Dybala’s signature from Juventus, only to miss out on deadline day.
The 25-year-old could be the blockbuster signing that would launch the club into a new, trophy winning era under Jose Mourinho.
Possessing the nonchalant skill that has always been admired at White Hart Lane, Dybala would be an instant hit in N17.
Spurs fans have seen the mercurial attacker first hand, when he combined with Gonzalo Higuain to knock Pochettino’s side out of the Champions League two seasons ago.
BRUNO FERNANDES
Tottenham were reportedly ready to bring the Portugal international to North London in August if they had found a buyer for Christian Eriksen.
Sadly for the Lilywhites, no such buyer came in and Fernandes, who scored 32 goals from midfield for Sporting Lisbon last season, remained in Portugal.
The 25-year-old has gotten on with his business, however, and already has seven goals and five assists to his name this season.
Much has been made of the sulking attitude of some of Spurs’ stars and 65million rated Fernandes could be the man to inject some extra life into the playmaker position at the club – with wantaway Christian Eriksen set to leave either in January or the summer.
SON HEUNG-MIN
Since signing for Tottenham in 2015, Son’s influence has grown every season, with the South Korean superstar now regarded as one of the best players in the league.
The 27-year-old has reached double figures for Premier League goals in the last three seasons, registering 14, 12 and 12.
One of the most likeable and marketable players in the league, Son provides constant goal threat and trickery, whether deployed centrally or on the flanks.
Mourinho would value Son’s combination of work rate and natural talent – as well as unwavering commitment to the cause.
HARRY KANE
Harry Kane would be Jose Mourinho’s captain.
The 26-year-old is a leader on and off the pitch. He also happens to be Tottenham’s best player, combining elegant playmaking ability outside the box with lethal goalscoring inside the box.
Mourinho brought the great Didier Drogba to the Premier League and would challenge Kane to provide those trophy winning moments that the Ivorian did.
And Kane has the mental fortitude and character to accept that challenge and pass it with flying colours, if given the structure.
