According to Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are mulling over a move for Will Hughes. The Watford midfielder has emerged on the radar of Jose Mourinho, who is exploring cost-effective options this summer due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Watford could find it difficult to keep hold of Hughes following their relegation last season and the Englishman could be prised away from the Vicarage Road for just £13 million.
What Does Will Hughes Bring To The Table?
Hughes may not be topping the list of relegated Premier League players last season in terms of quality, but he is quite a useful all-round midfielder who has, more or less, established himself as a first-team regular at Watford.
The 25-year-old has grown into a more defensive role for the Hornets over the past couple of years. In fact, he was predominantly utilised as a holding midfielder for Watford this past season.
So naturally, Hughes has honed his skills in the defensive department. He is already a fierce ball-winner, with his tenacity and aggression making him a useful outlet in the second line of press. In fact, the midfielder attempted almost four tackles per game in the Premier League last season.
Aside from that, the ex-Derby County starlet is capable of holding on to the ball, mainly thanks to his competence in physical duels while the midfielder’s game-reading quality has improved as well.
However, what makes Hughes such a useful player is his versatility. The Englishman can feature anywhere in midfield and even in a number ten or a wider attacking role, if necessary.
Should Tottenham Make A Move?
Tottenham Hotspur could certainly welcome the addition of a utility player like Hughes this summer. The Watford man can provide Jose Mourinho with a bunch of additional tactical options at his disposal.
Especially in central midfield, his presence will provide an incentive for the likes of Harry Winks and new signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg to fight harder for a place in the starting lineup. He can also provide cover for the wingers and possibly the right wing-backs, though he does need some training in that position.
Hughes’s tenacity and willingness to win back possession for his team, combined with his physical prowess make him a tailor-made fit for Mourinho’s tactical philosophy. His working nature should also add more bite to the club’s second line of press.
Although there is no doubt that Tottenham require better players right now if they are to compete for the top four, they could be bagging a bargain by signing Hughes for just £13 million this summer.
