There’s no doubt that Harry Kane had a fantastic season for Spurs last year, scoring 31 goals in his 51 appearances. If he wants to reproduce that kind of form, he’ll need some support. So, who partners Harry Kane up-front? Not only is this question important for Kane, but for Spurs as a whole; for he is the sole goalscorer bar Nacer Chadli and Christian Eriksen.
Does Roberto Soldado cut it? Regretfully, it doesn’t appear so. The Spaniard just hasn’t been able to bring his form over from Valencia, to the disappointment of many Spurs fans. However, there is still a glimmer of hope for the despairing figure of Soldado with fans silently hoping for the dormant striker to finally explode into fine form. He has been involved in pre-season for Spurs and looks to be staying at the club unless a transfer can be arranged for him.
Scoring goals is what Soldado has been known for, but at Tottenham he has adapted into a support striker role. This is illustrated in Soldado’s 0.86 key passes per 90 minutes compared to Kane’s 0.80, as well as Soldado’s 0.97 chances created per 90 minutes compared to Kane’s 0.94. But it is important to note that Soldado played a lot less than Kane, predominately in the Europa League. Still, Soldado statistically does show a knack for creating chances. Maybe giving Soldado a strike partner would give him more service and rejuvenate the fallen star. Nevertheless, it’s going to be a miracle if he does come good.
Many fans have grown impatient and intolerant of Emmanuel Adebayor. Although, he could still be useful to Spurs as his tall frame and strength allow him to play as a target man. Therefore, he can help to supply Kane by drawing players away that would otherwise be marking Kane. Similarly, Kane will create space for Adebayor to exercise his proven quality and bring himself back into stardom. Yet, Adebayor isn’t getting any younger at 31 and arguably only has one or two top quality Premier League seasons left in him. Would it not prove counter-intuitive to play Adebayor when Spurs could put their faith in a younger striker?
Unsurprisingly, Adebayor has some good looking statistics at his disposal due to his lack of match play. Adebayor managed to grab two Premier League goals (one more than Soldado), has a better shot accuracy (67%) than any other Spurs striker and has created more chances (12) in his 13 games played for Spurs. On paper it appears as though Adebayor is superior to Soldado, but on the pitch there is a different view. A major issue with Adebayor has always been his work rate. When he wants to work hard he does so, but often he goes missing and the extra work is left for another player to pick up. Soldado is incredibly eager to impress and will always give his all, even if his all is to chase around for 90 minutes after missing a sitter.
Truthfully Spurs should look for a new striker. Preferably a Premier League proven striker, but at least one that has been scoring goals recently. Reports of Fernando Llorente and Saido Berahino entice some fans but is there reason to be excited? Well, Berahino grabbed 14 goals last season, which would put him as Spurs second top scorer in the Premier League. He is a young and talented individual, and seems to garner great promise for the future. Llorente, on the other hand, is a seasoned professional but has only managed seven Serie A goals, which at 30 years of age, is reminiscent of Spurs’ current misfiring duo quite frankly.
Who partners Harry Kane up-front really depends on who is available for Spurs on the transfer market. Strikers in the form of their career are already at a top club. The most likely outcome is an investment in a young, unproven striker, which could disappoint the fans yet again. On the other hand, this striker may well be an excellent partner for Kane.
