The world of modern top-level football appears to have been overrun by contemporary young coaches prizing either possession, pressing or both.
Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering Barcelona side brought something of a sea change, ushering in a reboot of the sort of relentless pressing we saw from the great Dutch team of the 1970’s and Arrigo Sacchi's great AC Milan.
Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund were among those who offered a nuanced alternative to the craze, as, of course, have Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham.
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But Spurs, their squad perhaps a little light following their recent inactivity in the transfer window, now appear to be struggling to deal with opposition who seek to win the ball in the final third.