Argentine football expert Tom Robinson has said that Alejo Veliz could turn out to be quite an astute signing for Tottenham if the striker fulfils his potential.
The North London club agreed on a deal worth $15m (£13m) plus add-ons with Rosaria Central for Alejo Veliz’s transfer this week (Fabrizio Romano).
The 19-year-old himself spoke to the media at Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires on Saturday night prior to his flight to London, admitting that he has already spoken to Giovani Lo Celso, who is ‘waiting’ for him to arrive (ESPN Sports Centre).
There is plenty of hype around Veliz in his home country, with the teenager finding the back of the 11 times in 23 league appearances this season and also being one of the nation’s standout performers in the Under-20 World Cup earlier this year.
Tottenham could have a bargain on their hands
Robinson has now given a detailed appraisal of the youngster, including what Spurs fans can expect him to deliver.
When asked what type of striker he is, the journalist told Football.London: “Veliz is more in the mould of a traditional English No.9 than diminutive Argentinian strikers like [Sergio] Aguero, Julian Alvarez or [Carlos] Tevez.
“He’s a player with a lot of potential and in the last 12 months (especially so last six months) he has been one of the most in-form strikers in Argentina, especially impressive given his young age.
“Definitely more of a long-term project than someone who will come straight into the starting XI but someone who could contribute.
“His main strength is his heading and aerial ability. He’s taller than most in Argentina, which gives him an advantage, but his heading ability is really noteworthy. Honestly haven’t seen a young striker with as good heading in some time. He also links play well, has decent movement and shooting too.
“I’m sure the physicality and intensity of the Premier League will take a bit of time to get used to and I’m interested to see how his back-to-goal game holds up. He’s not slow but hasn’t got electric pace either.
“His stock in Argentina has increased a lot this year, for his performances in the league and also for the Argentina Under-20s, where he was one of the better performers in a disappointing Under-20s World Cup campaign. The move to Spurs will no doubt boost his profile even more.
“I think Argentinian fans will be particularly interested to see how he gets on in relation to the national team, as he’s a different type of striker to what they currently have.
“Don’t get me wrong, he’s a way off being selected, but playing in a top league and his specific skillset will no doubt be of interest to [Lionel] Scaloni.”
When asked if the £13m deal represents good value for Spurs, Robinson responded: “I think the deal is about right, perhaps a few million more than I expected, but we’ll put that down to the Premier League tax.
“Rosario Central have done well, what with the potential add-ons and percentage of future fee, but it’s certainly a move that could look like a masterstroke if he continues his development at his current trajectory.”
(Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
The journalist insisted that while Veliz has the potential to be a top striker, he is still very much a work in progress, and added that a handful of appearances and a few goals would represent a decent season for the younger.
He stated: “I think he has the potential to be a good striker for a top-half Premier League club. He’s relatively inexperienced so it’s hard to say exactly what his ceiling is and I see him more of a long-term project rather than someone who will explode onto the scene immediately.
“Success is very much relative to each person’s expectations but I think if he is eased in this season to get some decent game time, makes an impact off the bench and get five goals or so, that would represent success in what will be an adaptation year.
“Then he’ll be able to push on next season and try to become more of a regular. I think Ange is a good manager to develop him too.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It will be interesting to see if Tottenham decide to loan out Veliz after signing him as they did with the likes of Udogie and Sarr.
I would not be surprised if Postecoglou decides that staying at Spurs and getting used to his way of playing might be more beneficial for the striker’s immediate development.
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