With the Premier League agreeing to the use of five substitutes in matches for the new campaign, the ability to be able to change things ‘in play’ is becoming just as important as picking the right starting line-up.
It has already been a busy summer at White Hart Lane, with six new arrivals coming in to build a new Spurs very much in the mould of Conte’s preferred back-three system.
In the latter part of the window, the emphasis seems to be changing, with Tottenham targeting players who can be useful in a number of different positions - increasing Conte’s ability to change his tactics mid-stream.
It means director of football Fabio Paratici looks set to be busy right up until the window closes on September 1.
"Variety" Paqueta offers options
Spurs made an attempt to sign Lucas Paqueta in January and French newspaper L’Equipe say they are back in for him.
The Brazilian is typical of the sort of flexibility Conte covets, with his 10 goals and seven assists last season largely delivered from the play-maker role.
However, Lyon also found it useful to deploy him as more more defensive midfielder, on the right or even up front - ironically the sort of unpredictability Dele Alli used to provide.
With north London rivals Arsenal also interested, it could mean a £60m tug-of-war that lasts into the start of the season.
American McKennie covers many bases
Paratici has clearly had a few moment to flick back through his notebook and 90min say that he is considering going back to the potential signing of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie for £25m.
At first glance his place in the squad appeared to be usurped by the signing of Yves Bissouma. But again, the USA international’s versatility has come into the reckoning.
Conte is understood to see him potentially as a wing-back while at Schalke previously he played in a number of different defensive and midfield positions.
Rodon to Rennes
With greater versatility, you need fewer players, technically, and there is still much to trim in terms of squad number.
Key among those is Wales international centre-back Joe Rodon, who has had a stop-start Spurs career since signing October 2020.
The 24-year-old did not fly off with the rest of the squad to Israel for final pre-season preparations and a friendly against Roma after Rennes expressed their interest in taking him on loan.
