It’s been just over a year and a half since Ange Postecoglou took charge of Tottenham Hotspur, and to say a lot has happened in that time would be an understatement.
The Australian started like a house on fire and led the team to the top of the Premier League ten games into his tenure, but since then the North Londoners’ league form has been abysmal and as it stands things, they find themselves in 12th place. place.
However, there have been encouraging signs, from the scintillating style of football to their cheeky confidence against the best teams in the country and, more importantly, they currently lead Liverpool 1-0 heading into the second leg of their Cup semi-final. the League. .
Spurs League Cup | ||
|---|---|---|
Round | Opponent | Result |
Third round | City of Coventry (A) | 2-1 (F) |
Round of 16 | Manchester City (H) | 2-1 (F) |
Quarter final | Manchester United (M) | 4-3 (F) |
Semi-final (first leg) | Liverpool (H) | 1-0 (W) |
So while things haven’t been perfect, there have been enough signs to indicate that the Lilywhites are on the right track, even if to continue this momentum next season and surpass Arsenal and Chelsea, Daniel Levy and Co. will need to bring in the right players to help the manager.
Fortunately, recent reports have linked the club with an England international who could be available for free this summer and who has earned comparisons to the incredible Martin Odegaard.
Tottenham Hotspur pursue England international
According to a recent report from the transfer reporter Dean Jones on the Ranks FC PodcastTottenham are interested in LOSC Lille star Angel Gomes.
Speaking on the podcast, Jones revealed that the north Londoners are “watching” central and attacking midfielders this month and that the former Manchester United prospect is one of the players they are interested in.
The Englishman’s contract is set at expire in summer and the transfer expert claimed the club were trying to convince him to sign up for free.
However, he also revealed that there was a chance something could happen this month, as his contract situation would likely prevent the French side from demanding too much.
Overall, while signing Gomes this month could be an option, it seems far more likely that he moves for free this summer, and given his incredible ability, that would be a sensational move for Spurs, especially since he won. comparisons with the equally sensational Odegaard.
How Gomes compares to Odegaard
Okay, before we get into a few other reasons why Tottenham should sign Gomes this year, let’s take a look at that Odegaard comparison and where it comes from, because even if the fans don’t like him, he’s a midfielder bright.
Well, it’s comes mainly from FBrefwhich compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and the Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each of them and, in this case, concluded that the Norwegian is the fifth most similar midfielder. to English in the last 365 days.
The best way to see where this comparison comes from is to look at the underlying metrics in which both pairs rank closely, including but not limited to expected non-penalty goals, assists, progressive passes received, crosses into the penalty area, tackles won and more, all by 90.
Gomes and Odegaard | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics for 90 | Gomes | Odegaard |
Expected goals without penalty | 0.13 | 0.15 |
Progressive passes received | 5.88 | 5.93 |
Aids | 0.15 | 0.18 |
Crossing into the penalty area | 0.29 | 0.27 |
Tackles won | 0.59 | 0.53 |
Fouls drawn | 1.18 | 1.15 |
All statistics via FBref for the 24/25 League season | ||
In addition to the statistical similarities between the two players, they both also occupy similar roles in that they contribute to their team’s offense but are not true playmakers, instead acting as hybrid eights involved in virtually all phases of play.
That said, while comparisons to one of the Premier League’s best midfielders are certainly reason enough to sign someone, the former Manchester United ace can also bring experience to the team.
For example, the “amazing“The talent, as described by Statman Dave, has now performed brilliantly in the Portuguese and French top flight and is now a regular in the England team, having won four senior caps since September, including two starts.
Ultimately, Spurs will need to recruit more and more talent over the coming years to help Postecoglou achieve his lofty goals and signing Gomes for a nominal fee this month or for free this summer seems like a no-brainer.
Related
Their own Rice: Spurs pursue ‘box-breaking’ Bissouma upgrade into £42m star
The experienced midfielder would be a great addition for Spurs.
