The 2021/22 season could potentially be the year Oliver Skipp forces his way into Jose Mourinho's side to become a Tottenham regular.
A player rated incredibly highly by the club, the head coach last year stated that the midfielder is "Tottenham's future" and that he can be a "future captain" after he penned a new long-term contract in N17.
Impressing Mourinho last term with an excellent showing against Norwich City in the FA Cup fifth round, Skipp is now playing for the Canaries after linking up with the Championship club in the summer after a loan deal between the sides was agreed.
Earning rave reviews at Carrow Road after playing a major role in Daniel Farke's team putting themselves in an excellent position for a swift return to the top flight, Mourinho admitted to football.london that he wanted to bring the player back in January but he knew it was better in terms of his development for him to see out the season in Norfolk.
Although Norwich will want to keep the youngster at the club next season regardless of whether they are in the Premier League or not, Skipp looks set to become an important member of Mourinho's squad going forward.
So where exactly will he fit in at Tottenham next season? football.london takes a look.
Formidable midfield duo
One appealing option for Mourinho would be to pair Skipp alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the middle of the park.
While the boss has opted to move Tanguy Ndombele back from his more advanced role into a midfield two, putting Skipp in the side would allow the Frenchman to be utilised further upfield once again.
Maybe seen by some as a bit too defensive in midfield with Hojbjerg and Skipp alongside one another, the latter has demonstrated this season that he will run forward with the ball when he is in possession rather than immediately looking to pass it to his teammates.
There is purpose in Skipp's play and that is only going to boost the team's attacking players as he will always look to move the ball forward with a bit of urgency.
It will also help out at the back with two defensively-minded players guarding a back four that has looked rather shaky at times for the majority of the year.
Rotate with Hojbjerg
Another option for Spurs would be to stick with their current setup but alternate between Hojbjerg and Skipp.
The Dane really has been a good signing for Spurs but his form has tailed off at times due to the amount of games he's played over the course of the campaign, starting in all 29 Premier League matches and playing in 43 in all competitions so far.
Tottenham just don't have a like-for-like replacement for Hojbjerg in the squad at the moment as Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko don't have the defensive qualities their teammate possesses.
Skipp's return will most definitely keep the ex-Southampton man on his toes and it will hopefully mean he is fresh more often than not rather than running the risk of burning out completely.
Having the pair of them competing for the same spot is only good for the Lilywhites and it may result in both players going up a level or two.
Important role from the bench
Skipp may have to contend with a place on the Tottenham bench to begin with given the options available to Mourinho.
However, he can still have an important role to play from there when required.
Spurs haven't been great at seeing games out this season and Skipp could add some much-needed stability in the middle when they are trying to hang on to the points late on.
A player who is good on the ball and calm when in possession, he really could be a big asset to Mourinho and Spurs over the coming years.
