Comparing Tottenham’s Midfield Target And Their Current Creative Force
It would be a little unfair to judge Andre Gomes solely based on his disappointing debut campaign at Barcelona. While he struggled to influence games at Camp Nou and make an impact, it is easy to forget that he was one of La Liga’s most sublime talents during his time at Valencia.
Despite only signing for them last summer, Gomes, 24, is reportedly deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou. The midfielder’s wish to move away in search of regular football has alerted a lot of big clubs, with Tottenham and Inter Milan ready to splash the cash.
Keeping this in mind, should Tottenham consider a bid for Gomes? Tottenham have a packed midfield with Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, Harry Winks and Mousa Dembele already in their ranks. Manager Mauricio Pochettino generally uses Dembele and Wanyama in the middle of the park, but when both of them are injured, Dier plays as the defensive midfielder, having been freed up at centre-back by the signing of Davinson Sanchez in summer.
Harry Winks, a product of the Tottenham academy, is also making huge strides and was recently called up to the England national team by manager Gareth Southgate for World Cup qualifiers.
In Dele Alli, Christain Eriksen and Harry Kane, Spurs have one of Europe’s most potent attacks, capable of tormenting the opposition. Much of the headlines are hogged by Kane and Alli — fantastic, as well as key for Pochettino, but it is the brain of Eriksen that keeps their attack ticking.
If compared to Barcelona’s Gomes, Eriksen, 25, is a midfielder, who provides that extra flair in the attack. He has started this season with 2 goals and 2 assists, creating 16 chances. Last season, the playmaker registered a whopping 12 goals and 23 assists in 48 games.
Eriksen doesn’t typify Spurs’ style of play, but is a complete player filled with goals and assists. In a nutshell, the Denmark international is Premier League’s most underrated player.
Under Luis Enrique, Gomes only featured 30 times, scoring 3 goals and creating 13 chances last season. In all fairness, it was a paltry return for a talented player on whom the expectations were much higher.
If Pochettino happens to sign Gomes, the versatile midfielder, who is also capable of operating on the wings, has to fight with Eriksen for a place. The Portuguese international lacks the vision and skill of Eriksen, meaning Pochettino would be reluctant to start him in an advanced role.
But with Gomes being an industrious midfielder, he is certain to make Spurs stronger in the midfield. However, given the London club’s array of midfielders, it would be tough for Gomes to nail down a starting place. With Dembele entering 30s, Dier and Wanyama completely defensive minded midfielders, the only encouraging aspect about Gomes is his versatility which could see him become a key player for Pochettino.
However, after starting the season as an out-of-favour figure, Gomes has featured in Barcelona’s last two games, coming on as a substitute. In manager Ernesto Valverde, Gomes might have got a manager who emphasises more on midfield fluidity than attack. So it wouldn’t be a suprise if Gomes finds his touch under Valverde.
So the onus is on Gomes and the former Valencia man should think twice before making the next move.