Roy Keane has predicted that Tottenham Hotspur will be the side to threaten the top-two in the new Premier League campaign if Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min stay fit throughout.
Roy Keane hails Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min importance in Tottenham prediction
Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min will give Tottenham Hotspur a real chance to threaten the top-two in the Premier League this term. That's according to Roy Keane, who has told Sky Sports that Antonio Conte has a platform at Spurs to push Manchester City and Liverpool.
But the Manchester United hero has also challenged the north Londoners to prove his past perceptions were wrong. Keane has previously sensed Tottenham will stumble when faced with an opportunity to achieve their goals, and must now back up the bright expectations.
Tottenham have impressed Keane this summer by how Conte and manging director Fabio Paratici have tackled the transfer window. Spurs have got the baulk of their business done early, and will kick the campaign off against Southampton with a squad ready to compete.
Ivan Perisic was the first through the door as soon as the sales started after signing a two-year contract as a free agent following his Inter Milan deal expiring. Fraser Forster also left Southampton for Spurs in a Bosman deal once his terms on the south coast lapsed in June.
Yves Bissouma was Spurs' first signing to cost a transfer fee after leaving Brighton & Hove Albion for £25m, rising to £35m. Richarlison soon followed from Everton for £50m, rising to £60m, while Djed Spence left Middlesbrough for an upfront £12.5m, rising up to £20m.
Clement Lenglet has also added depth to Conte's ranks at centre-half after joining on loan from Barcelona. The Tottenham boss now has adequate cover and top talents throughout his ranks, as the Italian looks to build on taking the north London outfit to fourth last term.
Roy Keane confident in Tottenham prediction but past perceptions remain
Keane is confident that Kane and Son will be key to whatever Tottenham achieve in a term he predicts they can push the top-two. The latter swept the Golden Boot last season with 23 goals, while the former found form once Conte replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in charge.
"They've got two brilliant goalscorers," Keane said. "If they stay fit, then Spurs have a great chance in terms of doing better than Arsenal, Chelsea, United. I think Tottenham could do it. They've got a brilliant manager, they've got momentum into the club.
"Spurs can usually drag their heels during the summer, but they've got their business done early. They've got decent strength in depth.
"Spurs could have a brilliant season. There's expectation now at the club. I've said before they ultimately always let you down. Can they back it up?"
Kane ended the 2021/22 Premier League campaign with 17 goals from 37 appearances. He also recorded 16 of his haul, plus eight of nine assists, over 28 games with Conte in charge.
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