Ryan Mason has admitted he is unsure if he will switch to a back four following Ben Davies' return from injury. Always operating with a three-man defence and wing-backs under Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini, the latter opted to go with four in defence for the recent 6-1 defeat at Newcastle United.
It appeared to be a bold move ahead of the game at St James' Park with Pedro Porro and Ivan Perisic, both of whom are attack-minded wing-backs, operating as full-backs with very little options available to Stellini in the position. Newcastle duly tore Spurs apart and it resulted in the team reverting to their usual defensive setup after 20 minutes as they found themselves four goals down.
Things have eased on the injury front over the past week or so, with Davies and Clement Lenglet returning to fitness and taking to the field again. Having previously gone with a back four when he was in charge of Tottenham's final six league games two years ago, Mason was asked by football.london if he would revert to system he previously used following a recent boost in terms of injuries.
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"I am not sure," he admitted. "We are training in afternoon so we have got some decisions to make. Ultimately for us it is a collective to try to keep clean sheets and win games of football.
"Systems and formations, yeah they can help and can change some things but the desire of the 11 players on the pitch to have a common goal and work together is probably the most important thing."
Porro's defensive struggles have been clear in recent games, with Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool all capitalising on his play at the back. Asked if he has worked on anything specific with the Spaniard in training to help him improve, Mason revealed that time has been an issue due to their hectic schedule but he is sure Tottenham will see "a better player in the coming years".
"We have had very little time to work as a group. Last week we had two games in three or four days so that time was limited," said the 31-year-old.
"The most important thing for me with Pedro is he has got a great attitude. He wants to learn, wants to improve and I am sure we will see him become a better player in the coming years."
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