Tottenham's Impressive Midfield Options Providing AVB with Selection Headache

When Glyfi Sigurdsson lashed in a goal-of-the-season contender against Hull City in the Capital One Cup there were plenty of reasons for Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas to celebrate.

The Spurs boss has seemingly found a way of getting the best from the Iceland international who has already equalled his Premier League tally from last season of three goals. Allowing Sigurdsson the freedom to take up goal-scoring positions has been key but it also provides Villas-Boas with somewhat of a selection headache.

In attack things are almost alarmingly simple. Roberto Soldado is first choice while Jermain Defore remains the impact substitute and player for the cup competitions. In midfield, it is a very different scenario.

There are some ten players competing for five positions in the side, and it seems Villas-Boas has yet to figure out just who provides the best combination.

In central positions he must choose from the hugely skilled Mousa Dembele, powerhouse Sandro, box-to box Brazilian Paulinho and the versatile Frechman Etiene Capoue. On the wings he has the in-form Andros Townsend, record signing Erik Lamela, the talented Belgian Nacer Chadli and the returning Aaron Lennon.

Even in an advanced attacking position there are a wealth of options with Danish playmaker Christian Eriksen excelling, while highly-rated German Lewis Holtby is pushing for a regular starting berth, as is Sigurdsson.

There are numerous managers who will look on enviably as it seems Tottenham genuinely have two top-class players available for every position across the middle of the park. But does the former Chelsea boss know the best combination?

While rotation remains vital when competing in European competition, the sides pushing for the Premier League title season-after-season have a settled side.

Last season as Manchester United strolled to the title, Sir Alex Ferguson knew that his best four across midfield were Tom Cleverly, Michael Carrick, Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young. Behind them were Shinji Kagawa and Ryan Giggs who could fulfil different roles.

The key for Tottenham this season will be Villas-Boas discovering which five players can provide cover for the defence and a threat in attack. This may leave some players unhappy but it is certainly for the good of the club.

Being a manager requires making tough decisions and the young Portuguese tactician will have plenty to make in the coming months. And should he get it right, it could be a very exciting season for supporters of the north London club.