My first article on this site, I spoke about who Tottenham should add to their strike force for the upcoming season. Now a few weeks have passed and it seems we are no closer to finding this solution.
If you’re a betting man then you’ll know the odds on favourite to sign for the club is Saido Berahino, even more likely since WBA signing of Salomon Rondon, but is this the man Spurs will sign?
If like me your checking the internet every other hour, hoping for something to change, then your probably know we are linked with near enough every striker in football at the moment.
But who will it be. The list of names below have frequently popped up since Pochettino announcement of a potential signing on Saturday and I will look to discuss who best fits our needs.
Saido Berahino – West Brom
Charlie Austin – QPR
Javier Hernandez – Man United
Clinton N’Jie – Lyon
Breel Embolo – Basel
I wrote in my original article that Tottenham need to sign at least one striker, hopefully two and suggested Javier Hernandez and Berahino at the time. But at this rate I’d take Teddy Sheringham out of retirement.
So what can we expect from the list of names above.
In terms of the last two I can’t really make a judgement and I doubt many fans could, but as long as one of the first three are signed, then I’m a happy chappy.
My current ideal choice would be Berianho and Austin, with Berahino being a must buy and Hernandez an alternative for Austin. This may be the more costly option, one Levy is unlikely to take, but one that offers the most benefits.
After watching the City game, its clear there is more to Berahino’s game then just goals, which will make him a ideal fit for Potch’s side. He played the majority of the game on the wing and showed his ability with some excellent crosses and surprising defensive work, with one goal saving tackle on Kolorov in the second half. Because of this adaptability, Berahino will be prime to fill the up for grabs right wing position after Moussa started their on Saturday, as well as offer support for Harry Kane.
Many may think differently but personally I was embarrassed during the United game. Whilst losing one nil at Old Trafford, Ryan Mason was brought on, which is almost laughable. Bringing on a player who scored one league goal last season, followed next by a winger who scored twice and then by an 18 year old making his debut, none of who are forwards. We had nothing on the bench that could change the game and I beleive Austin or Hernandez, would have been the ideal choice for this situation.
The old saying, the fox in the box comes to mind when thinking of both strikers, which would have been prefect for the late siege on the United’s goal, maybe pouncing on something that fell in the crowded penalty area.
The strikers scoring records alone and lack of need to adjust to the Premier league will be huge positives but I don’t know if signing two is a possibility.
Austin and Hernandez are not one who can lead the line by himself with a lot of QPR fans stating Austin needed a partner last season. If Potch plans to play a partner with Kane this year (Austin & Kane scored almost 40 league goals last year) then Austin is our man, but if Potch decides to stick with one up top than Berahino is the likely choice, with his ability to play out wide.
A player like Austin, Berahino and even Hernandez will most likely know they currently play second fiddle to Harry Kane, but none will want to play third fiddle to the other. Its probably not reasonable to think two of these players will sign.
So whats the other option. Buying an upcoming young striker for the third choice role, someone who won’t demand to be played each week and hopefully will cherish every chance he gets, just like our man Kane last season.
The two strikers from Basel and Lyon fit the bill, both being very quick and boosting surprisingly good scoring records. Both have also featured for their respective national sides and will offer some real pace and energy to a sometimes static team.
I would like to also add before the comments get bombarded with “what about Timo Werner”, reports have died down of late, with a deal seeming unlikely, but you never know.
Out of the three Embolo would probably be the ideal fit. The tallest of the three, plus the youngest, with the best scoring record and more league appearances. Werner and N’Jie may play in more prestigious leagues but so did Soldado and we all know what happened there.
I have had my say and I would now like to hear yours, who do you want up top. Do you think Levy should go for broke with Austin and Berahino? Is a young foreign striker the ideal fit? and how upset will you be if neither Austin or Berahino are signed?
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