Alan Smith

Tottenham to mount a title challenge from Wembley next year.

“We have seen how they have struggled there in the Champions League because it just isn’t home. And it might be that Arsenal make some signings and come again.”

The advantage for Tottenham, according to Smith, is they have Pochettino – a manager who is rapidly growing in stature.

“Pochettino is now up there with Klopp, Guardiola, Mourinho and Conte,” said Smith. “The prospect of a new stadium is fantastic and their other great strength is Pochettino. I think he’s a great manager, one of the best around, and he will be a huge pull for players.

“All the Spurs lads talk about Pochettino. Players outside the club will listen to that and will see Spurs as an option when perhaps they weren’t in the past.

“In terms of trophies he hasn’t got the silverware, but in terms of ability and authority I now think he is thought of as the equal of all the other top Premier League managers.

“He has been linked with Barcelona and that speculation will continue because the best clubs want the best managers. Pochettino has the ability to drag players along with him.

“He’s a hard taskmaster, but he is also a man who has that human touch. That’s why players want to play for him.

“I went down to the training ground a few months ago. I wasn’t there to interview him but he came up to me for a chat and I was really impressed with his humility and the way he spoke.

“You could see how he brings players into his circle. He’s a people person.”

And Smith believes the youth of the Spurs squad is another massive plus. He said: “Spurs have young players on long contracts. They’re ambitious.’’