Forget Kane, midfield gem tops our five most improved Tottenham players this season
COMMENT
No matter what happens come the end of the season, Tottenham supporters will have something to cheer when the campaign comes to a close.
Although having seen their side fall away from the Premier League title chase earlier than they would have liked, their overall performance across all competitions will leave fans feeling like they have progressed yet again.
From top six outsiders to title challengers in a couple of years, this season was all about making a statement on the European stage, and boy did they do that with aplomb.
While failing to get past Juventus may be seen by many as a disappointment, it was the Italians' experience and know how of the occasion which saw Spurs undone, and it will be an important learning curve for a terrifically young Tottenham squad to progress to the next level.
However, their unbeaten group stage must not go without recognition, while their performances in the Premier League are also noteworthy, and there is still every chance they could finish as runners up behind a runaway Manchester City side.
Progress therefore has been made, both as a club and as individual players, but there are some in the squad who deserve extra recognition for how much they have lifted their games.
Here, Football Insider picks out the five most improved stars from the Spurs squad, with Harry Kane not sitting on top spot as a midfield gem takes the crown.
Click below to find out who sits fifth in our top five list of the most improved Tottenham players
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5. Harry Kane
Appearances: 35 - Goals: 39 - Assists: 4
How does a man who scored 35 goals across all competitions last season improve on what was his best ever year in front of goal?
Score as many as he did by March in the next campaign!
Kane has been almost unstoppable this season and his goal scoring rate is something else - proving himself not only in the Premier League, where he is vying for a third successive golden boot title, but also on the European stage, with seven goals in as many appearances.
He has continued to do what he does best - putting the ball in the back of the net - and while he has improved as a whole, it is harder to rank him higher after last season's stunning performances.
Click below to find out who sits fourth in our top five list of the most improved Tottenham players
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4. Eric Dier
Appearances: 40 - Goals: 0 - Assists: 2
As dependable a utility man you could ever find, Dier has gone from strength to strength as both a central midfielder and a centre back this season.
Again, much like Kane, it is the 24-year-old's performances on the European stage which earns him a place on this list, playing a crucial role on the way to Tottenham's unbeaten run in the group stage.
The fact he missed his very first league game against Bournemouth, after picking up a slight knock against Juventus days earlier, prove just how important he has been to the team, and his improved performances no matter where he has been utilised bode well for the future.
While Spurs will celebrate seeing the versatile enforcer improve week on week, so will England, as he establishes himself as a key member of the Three Lions' squad.
Click below to find out who sits third in our top five list of the most improved Tottenham players
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3. Kieran Tripper
Appearances: 28 - Goals: 0 - Assists: 8
The fact that Trippier has 28 appearances this season despite the arrival of Ivory Coast international and fellow right back Serge Aurier over the summer shows just how much the former Burnley man has lifted his game to keep his place as a regular.
His consistency and defensive reliability have earned him many plaudits throughout the campaign and he has proven his ability in the attacking third with eight assists, demonstrating a dangerous crossing talent from the right flank.
After acting as Kyle Walker's understudy for much of the last campaign, this was his chance to prove he has the quality to lead Spurs forward from the back, and he has taken his opportunity with both hands.
Click below to find out who sits second in our top five list of the most improved Tottenham players
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2. Heung-min Son
Appearances: 43 - Goals: 18 - Assists: 9
Often dubbed Tottenham's unsung hero or underrated star, there is little chance of the 25-year-old South Korean of going under the radar after this season's displays.
His impeccable work ethic and infectious energy on the pitch often puts the opposition, and even his own team mates, to shame, and he has established himself as a crucial member of the Spurs squad.
He might have scored more goals last season, with 21, but his performances across all competitions, especially the Champions League, show how much he has grown in the space of a year.
Spurs fans will be hoping to continue to grow in north London, and at just 25, he certainly has some way to go before he hits his peak.
Click below to find out who sits top of our top five list of the most improved Tottenham players
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1. Harry Winks
Appearances: 25 - Goals: 0 - Assists: 1
In terms of improved players, you can look no further than 22-year-old midfielder Winks, who has been a gem in the centre of the park.
A fringe figure last season, with just 11 starts to his name, he was thrown in the deep end by Mauricio Pochettino the the middle of an injury crisis in midfield, but the youngster came out the other side with flying colours.
A composed central figure with good vision and technique, he quickly established himself as a firm fans' favourite, shining against the likes of Real Madrid in the Champions League group stage, as well as in the Premier League.
Injury might have curtailed his season somewhat but no matter how his campaign ends, he should be proud of what he achieved at the start, and after such a bright beginning to his career, there will be high expectations placed on his shoulders for years to come.
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