Five Spurs aces who could thrive under Jose Mourinho including resurgence for Toby Alderweireld and Dele Alli

IT came as a shock to many.

But Jose Mourinho has returned to the Premier League as Tottenham manager.

The North Londoners brutally axed fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino last night.

And Mourinho was installed in the manager’s chair less than 12 hours later ahead of this weekend’s trip to West Ham.

The Special One won three Premier League titles with Chelsea.

And he led Manchester United to the Europa League in 2017.

Spurs fans are now sure to be feeling confident about their chances of a trophy this season.

And Mourinho could be tempted to dip into the transfer market this January for top-class reinforcements.

However, there is plenty of quality to be found already at the club.

Here, SunSport looks at five players who could thrive under the Portuguese tactician’s wing:

TOBY ALDERWEIRELD

Jose Mourinho wanted Toby Alderweireld at Man Utd and could convince the defender to sign a new dealCredit: Getty Images

THE Belgian defender is expected to leave Spurs at the end of the season when his contract expires.

But the arrival of Mourinho could signal a U-turn in Alderweireld’s thinking.

The centre-back, 30, was a top target for Jose at Manchester United.

And Alderweireld is sure to be made Tottenham’s first-choice at the back, leaving one of Jan Vertonghen or Davinson Sanchez to partner him.

He possesses all the qualities Mourinho wants in a defender, and could end up saving Spurs a fortune on a replacement if he extends his deal.

DELE ALLI

Mourinho could mould Dele Alli into the next OscarCredit: Reuters

THE former MK Dons wonderkid has suffered a spectacular fall from grace this season.

Alli, 23, has been axed by England boss Gareth Southgate and also struggled to get into the Tottenham side under Pochettino.

However, he is perfectly suited to the No10 role if Mourinho decides to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Jose famously axed Juan Mata to make Brazilian workhorse Oscar the main playmaker during his second spell at Chelsea.

And all of Alli’s aggression on the field could be harnessed in a similar way to get him back to the top of English football.

LUCAS MOURA

Lucas Moura could see more action on the wingsCredit: Getty Images

DESPITE scoring the winner which sent Spurs to last season’s Champions League final, Lucas has never been able to nail down a regular place in the side.

But Mourinho loves proper wingers, and may not hesitate to make Lucas his leading man on the right flank.

The Brazilian, 27, is blessed with pace, technique and an eye for goal.

Mourinho will be sure to nurture him and also look to improve his work rate.

Then Spurs will have their very own Willian, who famously snubbed a White Hart Lane switch in 2013 to link up with Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

ERIC DIER

Eric Dier could find success as a holding midfielder under the Special OneCredit: PA:Empics Sport

THE Special One will always switch up his tactics for the big games.

And Dier, 25, could be the biggest beneficiary if Mourinho decides to deploy an anchorman in a 4-3-3 system.

Dier is strong, athletic and good on the ball, making him ideally suited to protecting the defence in crunch fixtures.

Like Alli, Dier has also been left out in the cold by England.

And a resurgence in form could see him earn a recall for Euro 2020.

RYAN SESSEGNON

Mourinho could place his trust in young left-back Ryan SessegnonCredit: Getty Images

FORMER Fulham star has made just two appearances after joining Spurs in the summer.

But the left-back spot could be his for the taking now Mourinho’s in town.

Danny Rose and Ben Davies have both failed to make the role their own this term.

And Sessegnon already provides a solution without Spurs having to spend a single penny.

Playing the 19-year-old would also lay to rest claims that Jose does not place his trust in youngsters, although the two-times Champions League winner has indicated he’s ready to work with Tottenham’s highly-rated academy.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk