The signing of Ivan Perisic was a clear indication that Tottenham Hotspur are intent on building a squad capable of thriving domestically and in Europe. The Croatian veteran can play in a number of positions and will offer depth and flexibility to Antonio Conte’s squad.
The 33-year-old won’t be the first name on Spurs' team sheet but his arrival will offer Conte more options from the bench with five substitutions allowed next season. His versatility will also provide the Italian with an alternative in the left wing-back role.
The position proved to be troublesome one last season after Matt Doherty’s injury with Ryan Sessegnon and Sergio Reguilon struggling to bring the same kind of verve and creativity as the Irishman. And whilst Perisic has been primarily deployed as a left winger or second striker throughout his career his experience and vision could offer something different to the role.
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However, given his versatility the Croatian could thrive in a number of different positions. With that said, football.london takes a look at three possible ways Spurs can line up with Perisic in the side.
Left wing-back
Whilst it's a role that he doesn’t have a great deal of experience in; Perisic is left footed so would bring a natural balance to Conte’s favoured 3-4-3 system. The former Inter Milan star is a hard worker who would look to take on opposition full-backs and whip crosses into the box; which Harry Kane could certainly benefit from.
Line-up: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Kulusevki, Son; Kane.
Behind the striker
This would require Conte to switch from his favoured 3-4-3 formation to a more attacking 4-2-3-1. Perisic would operate in the free role, using his experience, vision and technical prowess to link-up with Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski, whilst also utilising his height (6 ft1 in) and physicality to provide additional support for Kane up front.
Line-up: Lloris, Royal, Romero, Dier, Reguilon; Bentancur, Hojbjerg; Son, Perisic , Kulusevski; Kane.
On the left wing
With a 4-4-1-1 formation Perisic could offer width down the left hand side, leaving Kulusevki to cut in on his favoured left foot on the opposite wing. Son would play in the free role just behind Kane and this would allow the Premier League’s deadliest duo to play closer to each other and interchange positions.
Line-up: Lloris, Royal, Romero, Dier, Reguilon; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Perisic; Son, Kane.
