Tottenham Hotspur are not too far away from claiming their first piece of silverware under Mauricio Pochettino but failing to qualify for the Champions League could be a big loss for the London outfit. But the manager seems confident of his team’s chances and is already looking to improve his squad for the challenge awaiting them next season.
This has seen them linked with a number of exciting stars from all around Europe but one player they are now linked to, from the Premier League is Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Having joined Watford in 2016, the 25-year old spent the first half season on loan at Granada and only managed to establish himself in the first team under the previous Watford manager Marco Silva. Ever since he has become a crucial part of the squad and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Javi Gracia at the moment.
In 30 Premier League starts, the former French U21 international has picked up seven goals and two assists, most of them against high-quality opposition and has shown that he is a natural for the English style of play.
Strong and dominating in the middle of the park, Doucoure is a central midfielder, who works best in pairs. He is a dynamo in the midfield, ready to make late runs into the box to add numbers in attack. But is equally adept at sitting back and soaking up the pressure, that adds some strength to the backline.
He never shies away from a tackle and is usually good at winning the ball back but his determination and willingness to give everything for his side is what has made him successful at Vicarage Road.
At just 25, he will only get better and he seems to have found his perfect fit in the English league. So it does not come as a surprise that the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool are already linked with a move for him this summer.
But reports from The Mirror today claim that Watford are ready to cash in on Doucoure this summer and have slapped a price tag of £40m. Tottenham Hotspur are also credited with an interest but where does he fit in?
Pochettino got the best out of his side last season with a midfield of Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele. The former Southampton man has not been the same this season and Doucoure could be a replacement for him in the first team.
Eric Dier remains a versatile option who can fill in for different roles while Harry Winks will be the creative option. Moussa Sissoko is far from claiming the first-team place leaving Doucoure with a direct path to the first team.
At £40m, he will have to hit the ground running but with quality all around him. Doucoure could be a game changer for Spurs.
