Five players Spurs can now sign to give them title-winning depth
Talk of choking is hugely unfair. Spurs haven’t been the pace setters in 2015/16 and have actually over achieved massively to even reach the point of being genuine challengers. Mauricio Pochettino has built a side of fresh-faced, fearless footballers and their brand of high-energy football has been a joy to watch.
Depth is the real problem for the Lilywhites. The stats when the players on the periphery of the squad have started don’t make for pretty reading and the lack of goalscoring alternatives when Harry Kane and Dele Alli aren’t available is a concern for any team that is hoping to compete.
The riches of Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal will make this a tough transfer window for any club hoping to move for similar players, yet Spurs have the token of Champions League football to lure the players in.
Spurs have scouted excellently over the past 18 months or so and they will be determined to prove this season is not just a flash in the pan.
So, here are FIVE players that could change it all…
Marko Arnautovic
Although Stoke have spluttered in the second half of this campaign, Marko Arnautovic has been one of the few players who has continued performing.
The Austrian has a reputation for being difficult to manage, but, although he has still had his ups and downs, Hughes seems to have him firing on all cylinders.
Leading the Potters’ goalscoring charts comfortably and showing himself as a versatile left-winger, the man affectionately called ‘Arnie’ should be a top priority for Spurs. Goals from the wings haven’t come as freely as Pochettino may like and the enigmatic ex-Inter star would certainly provide that.
Javier Hernandez
Could the former Manchester United super sub return to the Premier League?
Hernandez would surely not be happy to warm Spurs’ bench, and the side would need to adapt to his style of play, but the Mexican striker would be ideal for the games when Kane needs a rest. Although he does not provide the same sort of back to goal play, Hernandez would give Pochettino a different option that may prove the difference against low block defences.
William Carvalho
Spurs seem to be one of the few top clubs that haven’t been linked with Sporting Lisbon’s powerful defensive midfielder of late.
The fee will be high, but, considering his age, Carvalho would be worth the money. The Sporting man would fit into the current profile of the Spurs squad and provide ideal competition for Eric Dier in the defensive midfield role.
Whilst others at the club can play the shielding position, none have proven themselves to be up to the standards of a title winning team.
Moussa Sissoko
One of the most inconsistent players in Europe, Sissoko is a greatly frustrating figure for the Newcastle fans.
Whether the Magpies stay up or go down, Benitez is likely to want to build a squad of more disciplined players and Sissoko is likely to be one of the first to go. Pochettino, if anyone can, could hone Sissoko’s skill base and his powerful physique, paired with his great engine, would make him perfect for Spurs’ high octane system.
A gamble, sure, but Pochettino would reap huge rewards if Sissoko could find some sort of consistency.
Idrissa Gueye
Not many industrious midfielders have come close to the performances of N’Golo Kante this season, but Gueye’s tireless running and combative play make him a sought after prospect this summer.
Leading the way in the Premier League on both interceptions and tackles per 90 (let’s ignore the superhuman Kante), Gueye has been one of the few positives in Villa’s pathetic campaign. Spurs may need extra defensive midfield bodies in tougher European games and Gueye could easily slot in to replace Dier or Dembele in the midfield.