Tottenham Hotspur have been one of the worst-performing teams in the Premier League this season. The Lilywhites are dawdling in mid-table, with 11 points on the board. They have also lost to Brighton & Hove Albion as well as Bayern Munich recently. As a result, Mauricio Pochettino has come under tight scrutiny. In this article, we will discuss three players the Argentine should sign to escape from this temporary crisis.
Donny van de Beek
With Christian Eriksen likely to leave North London in January, Tottenham should make a move for a new playmaker. Giovani Lo Celso has struggled with injuries while Dele Alli has lacked consistency. Ajax’s Donny van de Beek, to that end, would be an ideal signing for Spurs.
The Dutchman, much like Eriksen, is a versatile playmaker. He is predominantly a number ten but can also be utilised in a number eight slot. That means he can offer Pochettino additional tactical options in midfield as well as in the final third – making him strikingly similar to what Eriksen brings to the table.
Not just versatility, the 22-year-old is also capable of crafting scoring opportunities for his team. And this could serve as a massive boost for the likes of Son Heung-Min and Harry Kane.
Nathan Ake
Tottenham Hotspur require defensive reinforcements as they prepare for life without Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. The former is nearing the final phase of their career while Alderweireld is a target for Juventus. Not to mention, both their contracts expire at the end of the campaign.
Nathan Ake, for one, could be a smart investment. The ex-Chelsea defender has gained a lot of experience in the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth. His presence in the backline has been one of the key reasons behind the Cherries’ success in the English top-flight under Eddie Howe.
Ake can provide competition for Davinson Sanchez while his solid tackles and discipline can enhance the overall quality of the Tottenham backline.
Shon Weissman
Spurs should make a move for Shon Weissman in January for multiple reasons. The Wolfsberger AC striker can be an ideal back-up for Harry Kane, especially following the departure of Fernando Llorente. Moreover, his prolific nature in front of goal means he can also be utilised as a super-sub.
Indeed, Weissman has been on a roll since joining Wolfsberger AC from Maccabi Haifa this summer. And his tenacity, coupled with his work-rate and intelligence in the final third, makes him an ideal fit Pochettino’s tactical setup. Besides, he is by far the cheapest option on this list.