Bolstering Tottenham’s Attacking Midfielder Depth

Tottenham's attacking midfielder depth would be bolstered by either Dimitri Payet or Isco's transfer to the club. But, who is the best fit?

Bolstering Tottenham’s Attacking Midfielder Depth

So far, it has been a quiet January transfer window for Spurs. But, could a transfer be on the cards? The club should invest in a quality attacking midfielder to supplement the squad.

Spurs do have some depth in the area already, in the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son, Georges-Kévin N’Koudou, Moussa Sissoko, plus Joshua Onomah, as well as Clinton N’Jie to come back from loan.

Nevertheless, there are a few potential targets capable of bolstering the midfield. Dimitri Payet will no longer be playing for West Ham, after an announcement by Slaven Bilic. This is a great potential transfer for Spurs. Isco’s departure from Real Madrid also seems likely, with tentative links made to Tottenham. Both are top quality players and would build upon the quality of the squad. They would certainly not be mere rotation players.

Isco

At just 24 years of age, Isco has already made his name in world football. Making nine appearances for Real Madrid this season, he has scored four times and made three assists in La Liga. Considering four appearances were made from the bench, these statistics make for good reading. Keeping up this form in the Premier League would make Mauricio Pochettino’s side a real force to be reckoned with.

Despite his quality, there is always a risk in a foreign transfer. Arguably, world class players should be able to adapt to any league, like Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo did when they moved from England to Spain. But even Bale struggled initially before proving his worth at Madrid.

Similarly, Isco may struggle to adapt to the Premier League. His diminutive size may be bullied and so he will need to adapt to the physicality of the league. However, compared to Eriksen, he is of a similar build, yet Eriksen is still a top Premier League player. The ability of Isco will undoubtedly triumph if he were to make the transfer.

Deploying Isco as a second striker is another bonus to this possible transfer. Whilst he would not lead the line alone in Pochettino’s system, he could still supplement Kane. On the one hand, Dele Alli already performs this role with his fluidity as an attacking midfielder, but Isco could make a more distinct second striker in the line-up. His pace, tenacity and low centre of gravity offer an alternative to the strength, power and height of Kane and to a lesser extent Dele Alli.

Dimitri Payet

Premier League proven, Payet would be an ideal signing for Spurs. He has already shown his ability to set up and score goals. Furthermore, his free-kick taking ability would add to the likes of Eriksen’s firepower.

His performances at Euro 2016 showed that he is capable at the highest levels. Having a player who can play under the pressure of a nation will be vital in terms of Champions League success, and Payet will be able to stay composed in Spurs’ bid for the title. Secondly, he will add European experience to the squad, with 17 Champions League matches under his belt. It is vital that the club secures, but also make the most of securing, a top four place.

He is arguably at the peak of his football career at 29. This will make the transfer fee astronomical unless Daniel Levy can work some magic. But, top class players rarely transfer cheaply. Spurs will be paying for a fantastic player who could really challenge Eriksen and Dele Alli for a starting place.

Giving these top players competition could create a hungrier, more efficient squad. It also allows for injury and suspension and ensures that the team always have some guile and creativity on the pitch. Furthermore, it would allow for a strong ‘second’ side, fielded against lesser opposition yet performing to the same high standards. All too often, Spurs’ most important players play in almost every match, posing a risk to injury and form. Therefore, Payet would be important to rotate with Dele Alli and Eriksen as the playmaker in the starting eleven.

Verdict

Strength in depth is money well spent. Either Isco or Payet could attract handsome fees, which Levy must pay to secure top quality talent. Overall, both players are the kind of calibre that Spurs need.

In terms of choosing between the two, Payet is the most obvious choice with his Premier League experience. However, it is perhaps unrealistic that West Ham will let him go to a rival team. Isco is clearly a talented player, but is yet to play in the Premier League and is, therefore, a risk. In terms of his scintillating potential, Isco would be the most exciting transfer for the club. Payet may still have a few more years ahead of him, but Isco has many more. Keeping a younger squad ensures the sustainability of Tottenham’s success for years to come.

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Declan Wiseman, Editor

Declan has over 10 years of sports and commercial writing experience. Graduating with a Masters in Journalism (Sports) from the University of Sunderland, he now enjoys his role editing and writing football content for Last Word on Sports.