Tottenham Hotspur are a team in transition under the guardianship of Mauricio Pochettino. From being an overlooked London side, the Lilywhites have been making massive strides to enlist themselves in the list of Premier League title contenders by putting commendable performances with the element of consistency and exuberance ever since the Argentine took over.
Currently second in the league table, ahead of the likes of their arch rivals Arsenal as well as the two powerhouses from Manchester, and Liverpool, Spurs look all set to keep pushing for the lucrative league silverware. In order to ensure that there is no room for complacency, Pochettino is aiming to strengthen his unit by adding firepower and shrewdness and for accomplishing his objectives, he has put Everton’s Ross Barkley under his radar.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked with a move to the White Hart Lane after the incoming of Morgan Schneiderlin to Everton earlier this week. Everton boss Ronald Koeman doesn’t share a good bond with Barkley and now that there is going to be a much stiffer competition for the starting berth for the Toffees, Barkley himself may be personally interested for a move away from the Goodison Park.
Barkley is a perfect attacking midfielder for any top quality side. He can score goals, create them and surge his team forward to threaten the opponents. A brilliant footballer for his boyhood club, he has been an offensive impetus for his side and despite being in his early twenties, he has plenty of experience under his belt already. However, he has been criticised for over-committing himself forward, his inability to adopt alteration in tactics and lack of consistency and needs to have a look at the tactical aspect of his game as well.
Nevertheless, he is a player with notable flair who needs a pat of assurance on his back to put the wheels back on the track. He has been a seasonal campaigner and has contributed massively to the Merseyside club. In 18 league appearances this season, Barkley has scored 3 goals, bagged a couple of assists, created as many as 43 chances as well. His passing has been good too, as he has precisely passes 83% of his total passes in his quest of being morphed into a superstar.
A transfer to Spurs will definitely be an upward move in his career. He still isn’t a victim of frustration and still has admirers across the continent. In the shape of Everton’s no. 8, the North London outfit will (if the deal materialises) bag someone who can tear resolute defences, is highly productive, is a tremendous athletic and a player who can grab the headlines with thunderous goals from fair distances.
Perhaps he just needs to get his rough edges polished to take him to the next level, which is a viable objective under Pochettino.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
