What do Spurs need this summer?

After the season Spurs have had, it’s difficult to really pinpoint how to improve a side that finished third in the Premier League while playing what most football fans consider to be the best football in the league.

Article by Nathan Flint @nathflint

In terms of criticism, the only constant is the lack of depth in our squad. We may have a first XI to rival any in the league (in fact, I don’t think there is better) but when a key player is missing, we do not have the players to adequately cover.

Three easy examples would be Mousa Dembele, Dele Alli and Harry Kane. If either of these players are missing, there is nobody to take the reins and perform with the same influence. As the only recognised striker in the squad, this is particularly pertinent when it comes to Kane. Which leads me to my first summer requirement…

…A new striker. I think it’s fair to say that most, if not all, Spurs fans agree on this one. While Kane is our main man, our number one striker, he would still benefit from some competition. After his goal haul from the past two seasons, some may disagree. From my point of view, the 25-goal striker can be a little selfish at times, choosing to shoot rather than the better option of a pass on occasion.

There will be those who say that this is trait to be encouraged, and while you want your striker to be high on confidence, sometimes, the poor decision making actually costs goals. We’ve seen the same in England’s friendlies; our prodigal son can be a bit self-centred.

What Spurs need is a young and hungry striker who is willing to compete as number two, (initially) and can provide an impact – namely goals – from bit-part appearances. We’ve been linked to players like Lacazette and Batshuayi, and while we should welcome either, it’s Marseille’s Batshuayi that we should be targeting. He fits the description better – would Lacazette want to leave Lyon for place on the bench? Batshuayi won’t want to be a bench warmer either, but he has time on his side and he would still see enough football to satisfy him.

Lacazette is already the finished article; his last three seasons have brought returns of 15, 27 and 21 league goals. If we signed him, it would not be as backup to Kane. Batshuayi, on the other hand, is three years younger although he did score 24 goals in 44 starts in all competitions this past season, so you could question whether he would actually want to join a club where he wouldn’t be first choice.

Both players have been linked with the giants of Europe, so it’s unlikely that either will come cheap. In fact, it’s been reported that West Ham – as they do their best to pretend they’re at the top table -have had bids of £30m for each player rejected. It remains to be seen as to whether Levy will stump up that sort of money with a new stadium to build and being stung in the past.

Now, cast your mind back to the end of the season. Spurs failed to win a game after Mousa Dembele and Dele Alli’s suspensions. This suggests a dependence on the two, or at least that we lack the players to step in and cover.

Both players are of a standard that realistically, you cannot replace. Much like Gareth Bale when he left, there is no point in trying to find like-for-like cover. That would be nigh-on impossible. But what Spurs need are two players who can step in for the pair and have the same impact – or at least negate the impact of their absence.

For me, there are two players in Kante and Mahrez at Leicester who are ready-made for this Spurs squad and would do more than provide cover – they’d provide competition. No longer would we be in a position where we need our best players to be fit – we’d be in a position where these players fight it out in training every day for a starting place, and take the strain and pressure of a long season away from the shoulder of two of our key players. Sharing the load.

Look at the best teams over the last few years. Yes, they had far more financial muscle than us, but they’ve always had two excellent players in each position. Before you say “What about Leicester?”, if they repeat this season next year, I’ll eat my socks. I feel we’re set in defence, the first four pick themselves and we have very good backup players in Vorm, Trippier, Wimmer and Davies.

Consider these as our ‘front 6’ options next season. Dier, Kante, Dembele, Alli, Eriksen, Lamela, Son, Mahrez, Kane and Batshuayi. Now tell me that doesn’t excite you.

All we need now is for Mr Levy to spend, and spend early. Not asking for much, then.

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