It is almost needless to say that Tottenham Hotspur boast one of the well-balanced teams in Europe. The Lilywhites suffered a bit of crisis in the midfield department during the backend of last season. But, they have addressed those problems this summer by signing the midfield duo of Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso.
That being said, the Champions League finalists still lack depth in the number nine position, especially following the departure of Fernando Llorente. That means an injury to Harry Kane, just like last season, could spell real trouble thus accentuating the need for a new attacker, preferably in the January transfer window.
One player who could certainly fit the bill at Spurs is Hoffenheim sensation Andrej Kramaric. And in this article, we will be discussing key reasons as to why the Croatian international could be a huge success under Mauricio Pochettino.
“More than just a striker.”
The failure of Llorente in adapting to Pochettino’s gameplay has clearly suggested that Tottenham shouldn’t go after a target-man as an alternative for Kane. The Spaniard never really looked at ease in tuning himself to Tottenham’s quick and efficient attacking setup and always struggled to provide the dynamism going forward.
Kramaric, in that regard, ticks all those boxes. Despite being labelled as a number nine, the Croatian international is what can be deemed as a modern centre forward. He can manipulate defenders using his intelligent movements across the final third while his technical skill allows him to link-up with teammates in the final third.
Kramaric is excellent when it comes to providing crosses in the box, which also suggests the fact that he likes to drift into a wider role, thereby allowing other attackers more freedom. The former Leicester City star is also adept in playing one-touch football – something that has become a norm for any top club across Europe, including Tottenham.
Offers tactical versatility
The term “a replacement for Kane” generally provides us with the notion that the player will be an understudy of the mercurial Kane and is unlikely to receive too many first-team opportunities. Not for Kramaric, however, as he can operate just behind the number nine as well as a wide attacker.
In fact, the 28-year-old predominantly featured as an attacking midfielder last season. He also covered the left-wing slot numerous times, which adds up to the tactical versatility he can offer to the table for Pochettino. And this could be extremely useful for the Argentine, who has a knack for rotating his squad week in week out.
An easy target
Julian Nagelsmann’s influence was extremely crucial behind the emergence of Kramaric at Hoffenheim. But, with the German mastermind now joining RB Leipzig this season, the ex-Leicester City forward could be tempted to leave Hoffenheim in January.
Kramaric is expected to cost over €40 million, with the forward still bound to a contract till 2022. But, financing a deal for the Croatian won’t be an issue for a Spurs side, who still have the cash to burn following an impressive campaign last season.
Therefore, the Lilywhites should make a move for Kramaric in the upcoming January transfer window. As iterated earlier, the 28-year-old can enhance the quality of the Tottenham attack – making them a strong contender for the Premier League title.
