Tottenham Hotspur are having a great season in the Premier League, but they have been shambles in European Competitions. Having crashed out of the UEFA Champions League as early as the group stage, the North Londoners have now been dumped out of the Europa League as well by Belgian team KAA Gent.
The lack of depth in the squad has been a big spot of bother for manager Mauricio Pochettino this season with most of his squad other than the first-team members not up to performing at the levels required in Europe. While their policy of signing young starlets with potential is laudable, Tottenham need to sign some quality players if they are to compete strongly in Europe.
With another season in the Champions League almost a certainty, here we take a look at three players that Spurs should target, so as to improve their chances in Europe.
Isco
Will it happen? Will it not? Speculations regarding Isco’s move to Tottenham have been going on for more than a year now, but Pochettino’s side haven’t been able to get the Spaniard to England. However, there could be a serious approach this summer according to reports.
The Real Madrid midfielder has struggled for game time this term under manager Zinedine Zidane and as a result is believed to be growing frustrated in the Spanish capital. The 24-year old is one of the most promising advanced playmakers across Europe and has shown on many occasions that he has what it takes to perform on the biggest of the stages, having played a hand in two Champions League triumphs with Madrid.
In Isco, Tottenham will be getting their hands on a proven and a world-class player who has been there and done it. His guile and creativity in the attacking third, along with his experience of playing in the Champions League will help Spurs a great deal in the upcoming season.
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican international is another player who has been constantly linked with a move to North London since the last summer and Tottenham will be well-served if they manage to bring him in.
Chicharito had gone through a lean patch during the end of the last year but has been able to regain his goalscoring touch once again after the season break in Germany and is firing on all cylinders again for Bayer Leverkusen. The 28-year old has loads of experience in Europe, having played in the competition in every season since he moved to Europe, first with Manchester United, then with Real Madrid (on loan) and with Leverkusen.
Hernandez has netted 19 times in 65 European appearances and has proved his mettle on the continental stage. Tottenham’s struggles for a second striker are well-professed with Vincent Janssen failing to make any impact and moving in for Chicharito will go a long way in easing the goalscoring burden on Harry Kane.
Riyad Mahrez
The Leicester winger hasn’t had the best of seasons this year, after setting ablaze the entirety of England last season with his scintillating displays for the Foxes, leading them to the Premier League triumph. But Mahrez remains a quality player and with Tottenham taking an interest him, they should convert into an official bid.
The Foxes have been struggling badly this term, languishing just one place above the relegation zone, but have put in some highly impressive displays in their maiden Champions League campaign. And Mahrez has been one of their stars in the European competition, having scored three times and assisted once as well.
An out-and-out winger is something Tottenham have lacked in their squad and Mahrez will provide them with just that, with his pace and direct running on the flanks. And having shown his pedigree on the European stages, Spurs could reap great benefits by signing him.
Comments are closed.