Thank you Mr Levy! This is a pre-season capture that Spurs fans have been waiting awhile for. Victor Wanyama, the 25-year-old captain of the Kenyan national team, will be joining Spurs after a lengthy period of negotiations with Southampton for around 11 million pounds.
Article by Lachlan Peters @loque91 or @e_spurs_aus
I am very excited about this capture. Spurs seemed interested around this time last year but Southampton were unwilling to let another of their star players exit. With Ronald Koeman gone and the Saints uneasy about losing Wanyama as his contract expired, the deal was ready to happen as Pochettino had the backing of Levy to reunite with his former player.
It seems to be a very prudent purchase. With Mousa Dembele suspended for the beginning of the 16/17 season, a replacement in the centre of midfield was essential – especially considering the lack of direction Spurs suffered following his ban. Not to mention the added weight that will be placed upon Eric Dier as Spurs look to impress in the Champions League for the first time since 2010. Wanyama possesses the skill, attitude, leadership and work ethic that will hopefully see him fit perfectly into a young Spurs squad looking to challenge on multiple fronts next season.
So what can we expect from the guy? What has he achieved so far? Let’s have a brief look at a very exciting prospect and what he will be able to offer in a lily-white jersey next season.
It is tempting to start the discussion with a very impressive performance in the Champions League in 2012. Wanyama was playing for Celtic against Barcelona. He had been dominating from the beginning of the match and capped this off with a towering jump at the back post above Jordi Alba producing a bullet header into the roof of Victor Valdes’ net - the first goal in the Champions League for a Kenyan national. He had a hugely impressive match against the European Champions, surely a performance that led to his signing for Southampton in 2013 - a record 12.5 million pounds for a player from the Scottish league and making him the first Kenyan player to ever play in the Premier League.
His first season in the Premier League was full of promise, but plagued with injury. It wasn’t until the 2014/15 season that he really began to shine, scoring his first goal against Swansea in a 1-0 victory, a month later he scored again against Sunderland and then added his third with a stunning 40-yard shot against Hull City.
I remember him being a clear man of the match for the Saints against Manchester United back in January of this year. He provided a fantastic shield in front of Southampton’s defence, as he always seemed to do. He cancelled out so many threatening situations but also went very close with a header from a corner in the second half. It will be these kinds of performances that Spurs will thrive on as he steps into our midfield. Dier has been a revelation in the centre of the park this season, but an adequate cover was required as the quality of the Champions League will demand more of the young Englishman as will a hopeful contest at the summit of the league table. Also the rate at which Dier picks up yellow cards will surely be a factor in Pochettino’s decision – the lack of a proper first team replacement in the midfield cost Tottenham crucial points at times.
Those looking for proof of his prowess could look to the amazing comeback victory Southampton claimed over Liverpool. 2-0 down at half time, Wanyama came on just after the break and helped to completely change the game. He dominated the midfield and was integral in Southampton claiming 3 second half goals to secure a victory. Wanyama kept up a great level of form toward the end of the season - coinciding with Southampton winning an impressive amount of games to round out the season – including one at White Heart Lane that would severely hamper our chances of claiming second place.
I’m going to eagerly anticipate seeing Wanyama come on against Atletico Madrid or Juventus next July in Melbourne. I think he will be a really great addition to the team. With this signing, Spurs are showing a real intent for the future. If we can add at least one extra attacking player before the season begins – who knows what can be achieved?
What do you think of our new signing? Would he be in the first team for you in the Premier League or Champions League? Who else do you want to see confirmed as a Spurs player before next season? Comment below or tweet one at me @loque91 or @e_spurs_aus
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the best news ive heard all summer,
ReplyDeletenow for a striker