Three players who could win the North London derby for Tottenham - Opinion

Tottenham Hotspur have a tough task ahead of them when they take on Arsenal on Sunday, but there are three players who could make the difference for the hosts.

Tottenham Hotspur have never looked more like underdogs going into a North London derby than they do right now, but that does not mean a victory is off the cards.

Igor Tudor just so happens to be the mid-season specialist, and he will be looking to make an instant impact at Spurs with a big result at the weekend.

However, the Tottenham first-team squad has more than its fair share of injuries, so big performances are needed from those set to take to the pitch. Here are the three Spurs players who could have what it takes to get their team over the line.

Micky van de Ven is the ultimate threat

It is rare for a player to be his club’s best available defender and their most dangerous attacking threat too, but here we are.

Micky van de Ven will be crucial to Tottenham, as he uses his pace to make recoveries and win duels, but that is just one aspect of his game.

The Dutchman is an aerial threat at set pieces, and he also has an eye for goal whenever he finds himself on the edge of the opposition penalty area.

If Spurs are to claim a surprise victory over Arsenal, van de Ven will surely contribute in some shape or form.

Xavi Simons can unlock Arsenal’s defence

Tottenham fans were left red-faced when Eberechi Eze hammered home a hat-trick in the North London derby earlier this season. Then there was Xavi Simons, who was signed instead of the England international, yet looked like a massive flop.

Plenty has changed since then, with the 22-year-old silencing those who chose to disrespect him with some tremendous attacking displays.

Simons can create moments of magic with just one pass, and his innovation could be the difference between Spurs winning or losing their upcoming derby fixture. 

It will be very interesting to see whether the attacking midfielder looks even more dangerous under the management of Tudor, as Frank’s system appeared to hold him back.

Dominic Solanke has been scoring goals for Tottenham

There have been a number of attacking players at Spurs who have failed to perform this season, but Dominic Solanke has gone the opposite way.

The 28-year-old struggled in front of goal during his first campaign at Tottenham, but he has already netted four times since his long-awaited return from injury.

Solanke is really impressive as a link-up player, and he looks even better as a goalscorer, although he has not scored in his two most recent appearances.

Can the Englishman rediscover his shooting boots and get Spurs a goal or two on Sunday? Let us hope so.

READ MORE – Louis Saha questions Igor Tudor fit but Tottenham should push for Marco Silva