Why Tottenham shouldn't (and won't) fear Borussia Dortmund

The UEFA Europa League has often been heralded as the younger, neglected brother of the Champions League. Weakened line-ups, lacklustre ties and teams that wouldn’t look out of place in The Chronicles of Narnia have seen its reputation plummet since it’s 2009 rebrand from the UEFA Cup.

Spurs fans know this more than anyone. A regular fixture in the competition for the last five years, Tottenham have been around the block in Europe on Thursday nights more times than they’d like to remember. Trips to the likes of Sheriff Tiraspol of Moldova and Qarabag of Azerbaijan coupled with blood-boiling performances against Benfica and Basel has given the White Hart Lane faithful plenty of reason not to love the competition.

So, you can forgive Tottenham fans for being a little over-excited at the prospect of facing European powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.

The round of 16 draw pits arguably the two best sides left in this season’s Europa League against each other. Mauricio Pochettino continues to work miracles in North London as his lilywhites build up a title challenge, whilst Thomas Tuchel has restored order at Signal Iduna Park, with his BVB side having all but guaranteed a top-two finish in the Bundesliga.

Both managers share similar philosophies; they expect a relentless work ethic, with play beginning from the back and a utilising high pressing system. Tuchel has been talking highly of Pochettino, calling him a “special coach”.  The Argentine will most likely return the compliment in due course, but he won’t let it affect his preparations – everyone at the club knows they can knock out Borussia Dortmund.

Those reading this who aren’t Spurs fans will be probably be scoffing – it’s probably why you clicked the link to this article. The problem is, people still perceive Tottenham Hotspur as the team that is a universal let-down and internally combusts in accordance with the universe’s script.

Or, as I liked to call them, the footballing equivalent of Wile E. Coyote.

The infamous “Lads, it’s Tottenham” quote still does the rounds on social media, but it’s time outsiders recognise that there is something special going on at White Hart Lane.

If beating Manchester City in their own backyard didn’t make people sit up and notice, then beating the 2013 Champions League finalists over two legs will.

But why and how can Spurs topple the Yellow Wall?

NO TEAM HAS OUTPLAYED TOTTENHAM THIS SEASON

A point that sounds either too simple to Spurs fans, but too stupid for others. Hear me out, though. Tottenham have lost just six times all season, and are yet to lose by more than one goal. However, Pochettino’s side have never been outclassed, even against top opposition. The win at the Etihad Stadium a couple of weeks ago is testament to that, and performances against Arsenal, Fiorentina and even against City at White Hart Lane show that Tottenham mean business. Goals conceded are either created by a moment of brilliance or a rare blip in concentration from one player, but no team can boast that they've given Spurs a footballing masterclass so far this season.

TOTTENHAM FORCE ERRORS OUT OF OPPONENTS, WHILST DORTMUND ARE PRONE TO CONCEDING THEM

One of the prominent characteristics of this new Tottenham side is their ability to pressurise the opposition into making mistakes. Playing Spurs is incredibly suffocating, and Borussia Dortmund have a habit of succumbing to such errors.

'Keeper Roman Burki receives the ball vs FC Koln under pressure

His pass is wayward, and Dortmund are caught high up the pitch

Koln equalise with under 10 minutes remaining

Dortmund are pressed high again, this time in stoppage time

The clearance is poor and easily intercepted

The interception is missed, with Anthony Modeste already making the run in behind the defence

The errors are costly and Dortmund lose 2-1

Sokratis loses the battle with Leroy Sane, and Schalke are allowed to equalise

There's no immediate danger...

Until this interception is missed

Schalke are able to pounce and score

The ball is played back to Burki

His pass is a poor one, and Dortmund are caught

TOTTENHAM HAVE BECOME SOLID DEFENSIVELY

From the 4^th worst defensive record in the Premier League to the 5^th best in Europe, Tottenham’s drastic changes at the back have been unprecedented. The signing of Toby Alderweireld is without a doubt one of the best of the season, and even though his compatriot Jan Vertonghen will miss both legs, Kevin Wimmer has proved to be quite the deputy. A selection of four eager and talented full backs has helped with rotation, and you can guarantee that whoever starts will be fresh for the fight. Having Eric Dier blanket the the back four and sometimes even shuffle back into defence has too proven to be effective, and his presence in midfield alongside Mousa Dembele has ensured Spurs win nearly every physical battle possible.

THE TEAM ISN’T RELIANT ON INDIVIDUALS

For the first time in a long time, the most important aspect of a Tottenham side is their work ethic. Whilst the squad is full of talented players, no one is irreplaceable. Thursday’s showing against Fiorentina proved that Spurs are able to mix it with tough opposition without supposed key players; Harry Kane, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen all contribute to Tottenham’s spine, but the performance was unaffected. Even if such players aren’t available for the tie, Pochettino has a squad he can trust, and replacing them shouldn’t be a problem.

TEAM SPIRIT, BELIEF AND RESILIENCE

Now obviously these things alone won’t see Tottenham conquer Borussia Dortmund, but the togetherness about this Spurs time is unlike any other in recent history. The close friendships between the likes of Dele Alli & Eric Dier, and Christian Eriksen & Erik Lamela portray the feel-good factor about Hotspur Way. Danny Rose and Ben Davies both speak highly of each other, and say competition for the left-back spot is important. The team no longer has passengers; you either put in 110%, or you’re out the door (see: Emmanuel Adebayor, Etienne Capoue, Aaron Lennon, Paulinho). Spurs have also recovered 14 points from losing positions in the Premier League, more than any other side (via @SpursStatMan), which is huge considering Tottenham’s reputation for being soft.

Ryan Mason was quoted in the Guardian saying how the team is relishing every game, and it’s a sentiment echoed by the fans. This Tottenham team can go a long way, and the tie with Borussia Dortmund is perfect for testing their Champions League credentials.


Special thanks to Lee Tomlinson for assistance with some sources

Follow me on Twitter: @SeanWalsh_97