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Solving Spurs’ AM Problem - A THREAD
Spurs have made 3 midfield signings in the last two windows, but none have successfully replaced Eriksen. Lo Celso and Ndombele perform best in deeper roles, and Hojbjerg is obviously of a completely different profile to a traditional 10/8.
Spurs have made 3 midfield signings in the last two windows, but none have successfully replaced Eriksen. Lo Celso and Ndombele perform best in deeper roles, and Hojbjerg is obviously of a completely different profile to a traditional 10/8.
This has left Spurs without a player consistently capable of playing incisive, efficient, and vertical passes into the box. This blend of efficiency and creativity is exactly what Spurs are missing in an offensive capacity, often leaving us having to create chances from deep.
Kane’s ability to drop deep compensates for this, and it often forces our holding midfielders to overplay the ball, which puts unnecessary strain on our fullbacks and splits our centre backs.
In order to get the best out of this squad, an attacking midfielder is needed. To narrow the search, I’ve created a checklist that any potential candidates should fulfil:
Capable of incisive passing
Adept from set pieces
Diverse ability to progressively carry as well as pass
Comfortable with dropping deep and pressing high
With these categories in mind, I will be discussing 3 players I believe Spurs should target this Summer.
Adept from set pieces
Diverse ability to progressively carry as well as pass
Comfortable with dropping deep and pressing high
With these categories in mind, I will be discussing 3 players I believe Spurs should target this Summer.
1.Rodrigo De Paul
A 26 year old playing for Udinese in Serie A, he is comfortable with dropping deep into possession and creating space for wingers to exploit in front of the opponents back line.
A 26 year old playing for Udinese in Serie A, he is comfortable with dropping deep into possession and creating space for wingers to exploit in front of the opponents back line.
He excels in his passing and carrying, having 9.7 progressive carries, 2.7 completed dribbles, 6.7 progressive passes, and 4.5 shot creating actions per 90.
When playing as a 10 he prefers to withdraw and stay outside of the opponents box, in front of their backline, while still averaging an admirable 2.2 shots per game. This would suit Spurs’ reliance on wingplay and allow for the exploitation of the space between FB’s and CB’s
He has 8 goals and 8 assists this season in Serie A, and would likely have a lot more if he played with better goal converting players. The quality of his play in a relatively mediocre Udinese side is exceptional and indicates that he has a higher ceiling than he presents.
Transfermarkt values him at €38 million, and as he is Udineses star boy, he would likely cost between €30-40 million, which given his quality is a reasonable price to pay.
2.Luis Alberto
Being 28 years old, Luis Alberto is definitely older than ideal. However, his playing style does not rely on athletic ability, and he will likely be at his best for years to come. I doubt he will begin to seriously decline until his early thirties.
Being 28 years old, Luis Alberto is definitely older than ideal. However, his playing style does not rely on athletic ability, and he will likely be at his best for years to come. I doubt he will begin to seriously decline until his early thirties.
Like De Paul, he also plays in the Serie A, albeit for Lazio. He boasts 9.7 progressive passes, 11.4 progressive carries, and 5 shot creating actions per 90. Stylistically he carries himself in a typically Mediterranean manner.
But ignoring the stereotypes of Spanish playmakers, he has a very well balanced spread of pressures, mainly focusing on the middle 3rd as expected. His weight of pass is superb, and imo is the best in Serie A.
He struggles in the air and in physical duels due to his slight frame, but makes up for it in technical ability and vision. He is excellent on the counter attack and utilises very quick decision making in transition, which is perfect for Spurs build up play.
Valued by Transfermarkt at €50 million, he would be an expensive purchase. That being said, given his age and the economic effects of Covid, I believe we could purchase him for much closer to the €40 million mark.
3.Jack Grealish
The 25 year old is Aston Villa’s shining star, and at various points throughout this season and last season he has carried them through poor performances by utilising his incredible individual ability.
The 25 year old is Aston Villa’s shining star, and at various points throughout this season and last season he has carried them through poor performances by utilising his incredible individual ability.
Comfortable on either flank, with a preference for the left, he is also very capable of playing as a number 10, with 5.5 shot creating actions, 11.6 progressive carries, and 5.9 progressive passes per 90. Not much needs to be said about Grealish, he has so much technical ability.
He is extremely hard to knock off the ball and is adept at catching CB’s by surprise through cutting inside. Unfortunately his defensive contributions are poor, but given the level of offensive ability in his Villa side, it’s not surprising he’s more focused on the opposite end.
Valued at €60 million by transfermarkt, his performances this season along with his marketing potential means he could fetch upwards of that number. He will move to a big 6 team soon, and those that miss out will regret it.
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